Have you ever wondered why doctors recommend at least 15 minutes of daily sunlight? The answer is quite simple, sunlight impacts our health by improving sleep. It also reduces stress and is highly beneficial for our moods.
Now picture yourself sitting in a dimly lit room for 8 continuous hours. It’s a sad sight to imagine and an even worse experience.
Lighting is a crucial aspect for space, particularly office environments. We’ve put together four things you should consider when choosing office lighting.
Light intensity
The intensity of the light, or how bright it is, is an important factor to consider in an office setting. A space that is too bright can cause eye strain and fatigue, while a space that is too dim can make it difficult to see and concentrate.
The lighting level, or the amount of light present in a space, is measured in lux (lx) and it is important to choose light fixtures that provide sufficient light for the specific needs of the office space.
The illuminance, or the amount of light falling on a surface, is also an important factor to consider. A good rule of thumb is to aim for an illuminance of 500-750 lx for general office tasks, and 750-1000 lx for tasks that require more precision.
Light colour and temperature
The colour of the light, also known as the colour temperature, is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and it refers to the warmth or coolness of the light.
Warm white light, with a colour temperature of 2700-3000K, has a yellowish hue and is great for creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. This type of light is perfect for relaxation and socialising areas, like break rooms or lounge areas. It can also be used in conference rooms or meeting areas to create a more relaxed and collaborative atmosphere.
Cool white light, with a colour temperature of 3500-4100K, has a bluish hue and is best for tasks that require concentration and precision. This type of light is great for work areas, like desks or office spaces, where people are doing tasks that need lots of focus. It can also be used in areas where colour accuracy is important, like design studios or photo labs.
Fluorescent vs. LED lights
The type of lighting you choose will have a significant impact on its lighting quality. You will have the option of choosing fluorescent or LED lighting. There has been widespread disapproval of fluorescent lighting over the past few years. How did this type of lighting come under fire?
As long as they remain intact, fluorescent light bulbs are safe. If this type of lighting breaks in the office, it is toxic, as it contains harmful compounds such as mercury and phosphorus. Fluorescent lights also require frequent changes as its lifespan is shortened when it is constantly turned on and off.
Additionally, fluorescent light emits ultraviolet light. According to a study, eight hours under this type of lighting is equivalent to an hour in the sun. This high brightness level is notably hazardous to employees, causing health issues and lack of focus in the office.
In contrast, LED lighting is shown to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, especially for commercial spaces where lighting intensity affects productivity levels.
A major advantage of LED lighting is that it outlasts incandescent and fluorescent lighting. LED bulbs convert 95% of energy into light, while only 5% is wasted as heat, making them an ideal choice for commercial spaces.
Task specific lighting
Sometimes, general lighting may not suffice. This may not be an issue related to the lighting itself, but rather the architectural layout blocking the illumination emanating from your office light source.
In this case, task specific lighting is recommended. This type of illumination can come from a desk lamp that employees can regulate as they see fit. If you’re in the healthcare industry and are preparing a private clinic for example, you’ll need a surgical light that can properly illuminate your patient to properly execute procedures.
Lighting is a delicate and important factor to a commercial space. Selecting the right lightbulb that provides a balanced intensity and is energy efficient can help your employees feel at ease and lower fixed costs in your business.
Working on a new office or planning an office lighting renovation? Allow us to assist you. Get in touch with us today.