How to Create a Lighter and Happier Office Space (infographic)

Whether you are first in the office or last to leave, most of your day will be spent under fluorescent ceiling lights inside your company’s building. Between meetings and coffee breaks, you might find yourself fidgeting at your glasses or popping an aspirin because of your headache. Who would’ve known that the lights above your head could limit these problems and increase office productivity!

Why is lighting important?

In an industrial or office setting, employees spend hours working at their desks and staring at screens. This can cause eyestrain and headaches on top of all the stress at work. Appropriate lighting not only limits these issues but also enhances the desirability of a space. If employees are comfortable and happy in their office space, they will be able to work better. Your employees will be driven to succeed and have confidence when they step foot into an exquisitely-lit office.

Which lighting should I use?

Choosing the right lighting for your office depends on the layout and shape of the space. When considering what lighting to choose, these are some important factors that are good to consider:

Have a budget

To pick lighting that works for your office, keep a budget, and be mindful of costly expenditures. Unfortunately, usually the more expensive lights are, the higher quality they are. Although, investing may save your overall spending in the long run. For example, purchasing a light that has automatic sensors that switch from on to off when nearby objects move may be expensive upfront. But, this will cut the cost of your lighting bill each month.

Types of lighting

Typically, the options for choosing lighting range from direct, indirect, and general. In an indirect lighting system, the majority of light projected bounces off the walls to minimize direct glaze. This creates a spacious effect inside the room. On the other hand, direct lighting projects light downward. General lighting is a mix between indirect and direct lighting as it illuminates the room for output casting shadows. If you are looking to highlight certain areas in your office space, direct lighting is for you. If you are aiming to add a relaxing mood and calmness to your room, you should consider indirect lighting. And if you are unsure and just want to light up your room and impress your employees, general lighting might be best.

Let the sun in

There is no lighting like natural light. Natural light in the office not only helps employees accomplish more of their work, but it also improves their wellness. It has been proven that offices with natural light help employees sleep better and be more active. Exposure to daylight regulates our circadian rhythm, which is central to health and stability. Adding natural light to a room can be done by installing windows close to employee workstations. If adding windows to the office isn’t for you, using LED lights works too. LED lights mimic the effects of natural light, which leads to a more productive, happy work environment.

Color and Temperature

The color and temperature of your office lighting are equally as important as the kind of lighting you choose. Usually, warm lighting, with hues of yellow and orange, is better for unwinding and calming down. Whereas cool blue or cool white lights are best for working and concentrating. If possible, lighting temperature and color should change based on the time of day. It is said that in the morning, lighting should be cooler and brighter. This is so employees can start their workdays off strong and concentrate on important tasks. As the day continues, lighting should grow into warm tones to help employees relax throughout the day.

Save energy in your office

Sustainable light bulbs are great options to save energy and add a bit of green thinking to the office. LED, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and halogen incandescents are some popular examples of lighting that will last for years to come. If employees perceive that the lighting in their office is environmentally friendly, they will also carry out sustainable actions in their personal and professional lives. This can enhance their performance especially if they are eco-sensitive and increase the aesthetic appeal of the office.

Area-based lighting

If the office has a seating area where guests and clients are welcomed to wait before they enter the office, using lighting to improve the overall aesthetic of the office can please newcomers. As dimmer, warmer yellow lighting makes people feel relaxed, this could lead to a more successful meeting. Getting creative with lighting structures in different areas in the office can also impress potential clients and lead to new hires. Switch up your lighting in areas like the recreation room, discussion rooms, the bathroom, the cafeteria, and more. This will give employees a positive experience as they move throughout the building and make visitors feel welcomed.

Represent your office

Instill character into your lighting to make employees have a sense of identity with their company as they work. Lighting coincides with branding all of the decor and color in your office. Each company has a theme and a color scheme that represents the company. Using this in the small details, like lighting near a plant, or in a large lit-up company sign, employees will be reminded of their importance as parts of the company. The pleasing visuals will make employees feel driven to contribute new content to the company.

Listen to feedback

For senior employees who have their own office or cabin, accommodating their needs is important in more ways than one. Customizable lighting could help employees feel most comfortable when they are working on important tasks. Asking other employees for their feedback on office facilities can also make them feel as though they have the autonomy to change things that may be bothering them as they come to work each day. Poor lighting can cause unworkable, uncomfortable conditions. Making sure that employees can perform optimally in the space that they work in each day will ensure their productivity. Whether an employee is suffering from headaches due to harsh lighting or needs a stronger lamp near their desk to see in darker spaces, they need a change. Having these conversations is essential in promoting employee wellness.

If you think your employees could benefit from new lighting in your building, head to Zoro for some office lighting inspiration. Also, check out the infographic below to learn more about how to implement it into your office.

Employees are the backbone of every company. For a business to be successful in the long term, it's important to take the initiative to prioritize employee wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. This visual features 16 workplace setup ideas for improved wellness and productivity, such as adding office greenery to enhance air quality and introducing scents that promote deeper focus. The graphic also showcase how changing the lighting can boost performance and morale.