The Right Lighting for Office Workspaces

It is obvious and scientifically proven that light has a decisive influence on our well-being and health. But these findings are not always taken into account. This is the case, for example, when it comes to deciding which lighting is appropriate in the office. The light available at the workplace is crucial for performance and thus for success.

The right lighting makes visual and reading tasks easier, promotes concentration and increases motivation as well as performance. It also keeps you healthy and puts you in a good mood. In the following article, read more about what needs to be considered when lighting the workplace and how dynamic light makes everyday working life easier and more pleasant.

Light Controls the Circadian Rhythm

All important bodily functions run rhythmically. The most perceptible of these is the circadian rhythm, which is based on day and night and covers a period of about 24 hours. The circadian rhythm of the human body is controlled by daylight. This insight is relatively recent. Just 20 years ago, in 2002, scientists discovered a third photoreceptor in the human eye that is not responsible for vision. Previously, only two receptors were known: cones, which enable colour vision, and rods, which ensure that we can see even in low brightness. The third receptor, on the other hand, reacts to blue components in light, has a direct connection to the brain and controls many processes in the body.

Office Lighting - What Needs to be Considered?

Daylight controls the human body, it stimulates hormone production and influences whether we feel awake or tired. So the lighting at the workplace should not only be bright; ideally, it should also have a natural light colour and thus simulates daylight. Ordinary artificial lighting primarily produces brightness but does not reflect the full light spectrum. Daylight spectrum lamps, on the other hand, also produce ultraviolet and infrared rays and, as numerous studies have shown, can help increase concentration and reduce sick days. At least some of the office luminaires should therefore ideally be equipped with special lamps that imitate natural daylight.

How much light does a workspace need? On the desk itself, illuminance should be around 500 lux; this is not necessary for the whole room. Large contrasts between light and dark should be avoided because they tire the eyes and, in the long run, place too much strain on one side. Uniformly bright ambient lighting is therefore advantageous. This should be supplemented by desk lamps or floor lamps at the workplace so that everything there can be seen in detail. Caution: Reflections of the lighting on the monitor must not occur! Wall lighting can give the room a more lively feeling.

Important note: It is essential to bear in mind that there are regulations and guidelines governing lighting in the workplace!

Dynamic Lighting Systems Bring Light Into Everyday Office Life

Ideally, workplace lighting can even be adapted in terms of light colour and illuminance to the natural rhythm of the day. Dynamic lighting systems equipped with the latest LED technology can simulate daylight from the beginning to the end of the day. The systems thus permit a change in colour temperature, from activating daylight white to relaxing warm white, and in luminous intensity, from 1,500 lux at midday to 500 lux in the evening. This is also referred to as biologically effective light, as it has a positive effect on the bio-rhythm. Depending on the setting, dynamic light has a motivating and activating or calming and relaxing effect, thus facilitating work, increasing productivity and ensuring a greater sense of well-being.