DESIGN & INTERIORS GHTER WORKFORCE
fficiency, as well as impacting on the health and wellbeing of all who utilise that space, hnical Service Manger at Lyco
Office floor lighting - This is the area where the majority of staff will spend most of their day, so ensuring the lighting is perfect should be a top priority. In an ideal world, natural lighting should be used as much as possible but this is often easier said than done. The two key lighting requirements of an office space include overhead lighting and task lighting.
“A poorly lit work space can result in a lack of focus and reduced productivity and morale.”
Overhead lighting should be installed in attempt to reduce overhead glare from computer screens and monitors, which can lead to headaches and other health issues. Task lighting covers more local lighting that affects employees’ specific workspaces. This should be adaptable where possible to allow employees to alter the lighting to suit their specific needs.
The impact lighting has on employee health
and productivity Poor office lighting can have a serious impact on employee health and wellbeing, which in turn can impact productivity.
A poorly lit work space can cause uncomfortable eye strain for employees that can further lead to health problems such as headaches and migraines. This in turn can result in a lack of focus and reduced productivity and morale, something that can be very detrimental to a business’s bottom line. In addition to this, poor lighting and eye strain can make employees adopt an awkward posture to complete tasks, which can further lead to back problems and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Not only can poor lighting have negative impacts on employees’ health but it can also impact their mood and wellbeing. An uncomfortable working environment can reduce employee satisfaction and hinder their ability to carry out certain tasks with maximum efficiency.
Making the switch to LED In an ideal scenario all offices would have access to natural daylight, thus alleviating a lot of artificial lighting, particularly during summer months. However, due to different office locations or layouts this can often be difficult. In situations where artificial lighting is the only viable option, it is crucial to ensure the right type of light is used.
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Traditionally, fluorescent lighting has always been a popular choice because of its low cost, but it can have negative effects on employee health. It’s not always obvious but fluorescent bulbs have to constantly flicker to remain lit. This flickering can lead to previously mentioned health issues, such as eye strain and headaches, and it can also increase stress and anxiety levels. As a result of this many business owners are converting their lighting from traditional fluorescent bulbs to LEDs.
As well as improving employee health and mood, LEDs have a number of other benefits when compared to the traditional alternatives. The main benefit of switching to LED technology is the improved energy efficiency and resulting cost savings. When compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs, LEDs are up to 90% more energy efficient, and up to 50% more efficient in comparison to fluorescent bulbs. LEDs also have a lifespan of up to three times longer than the majority of fluorescent tubes, and up to 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This extended lifespan and increased energy efficient makes LEDs the most cost-effective lighting solution available today.
“An LED refit can essentially be self-funding.”
LEDs are also extremely versatile, which makes them ideal for multi-functional office spaces. LEDs have a dimmable range of down to 5%, and many will allow users to adjust the colour of a light to suit a range of different scenarios. Smart bulbs, for example, can change colour or even be synced to a schedule which can be great for branding purposes, as well as keeping running costs to a minimum.
The initial upfront cost of LEDs can often put business owners off making the switch, but the reduced running costs will soon repay the investment. For businesses that don’t have the upfront capital to afford a full conversion, the project can be completed in stages, with savings made from the first stage used to fund the second stage, and so on. When approached this way, an LED refit can essentially be self-funding.
Not only is good lighting essential for allowing staff to carry out day-to-day tasks with maximum efficiency, it can also have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of all who utilise that space. There’s no one size fits all approach to office lighting, but by following the basic principles outlined in this article, and opting for energy efficient LEDs, business owners can significantly improve productivity whilst cutting their energy costs.
www.lyco.co.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 51
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