Lighting is very important in our day to day life. Lighting influences the level of concentration plus productivity, more so for office employees. The impact of lighting on one’s body is profound. The human body is designed to perform well under particular lighting systems.
Most research done in the past illustrates that about 68% of workers are not satisfied with the state of lighting in their offices. Most state that the poor state of lighting negatively impacts on them as they often experience headaches as a result of the poor lighting that causes them to strain their eyes.
Hence, office lighting should be given much consideration during the office’s design stage. Lighting influences worker’s productivity. Hence, it is worth considering the installation of smart lighting systems in order to improve the working environment.
A well lit working environment is great for an individual’s health, instills positive attitude towards work, and increases worker’s productivity. Ultimately, a proper lighting system in the workplace enables the cutting down of health related costs as the employers can oversee the workers’ well being.
Most businesses lease office spaces that have lights already fitted in them. Most business owners will not find it necessary to check the lighting systems to confirm whether they are proper for an office setting or not. Most will see this as an advantage to them as it means they do not have to spend a dime on lights fitting.
However, there is a need for employers to check their office lighting systems to ensure that they are proper and favorable to employees. Poor lighting systems can be very detrimental. The following comprises some of the impacts of poor lighting in offices.
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Causes Headaches plus Migraines
The type of lighting utilized in most offices is artificial lighting. Artificial lights comprise overhead light fittings, lamps, e.t.c. Artificial lighting can be very harsh to the point of resulting headaches plus migraines. Artificial lights that are excessively bright, and are difficult to adjust can be very uncomfortable.
Employees have to show up for work daily. However, if the lighting system is poor or harsh, then it implies that the employees will feel the negative impact. Harsh light causes discomfort.
Employees cannot focus on the job at hand if they are not well. Thus, the poor lighting will negatively impact the employees productivity as they can barely concentrate on their tasks.
Employees who get sick due to the poor office lighting may require urgent medical attention. That means they will have to be out of work, and the company may be forced to pay for the medical fees. This negatively influences company productivity.
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Results in Poor Sleep
The human body has an internal clock, commonly referred to as circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is activated by natural lighting that the body reacts to daily. The body is naturally adapted to sunlight’s rhythm.
The circadian rhythm is responsible for determining people’s sleep cycle, stimulation, plus relaxation. The replication of this kind of lighting in the office can motivate and energize employees towards working for the company.
On the other hand, poor lighting will wear out employees and negatively impact on the employees’ sleep quality at nighttime. Employees experience shorter nights and in turn result in less productive nights.
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Causes a Strained Eyesight
Computer lighting is often too bright for the eyes. The addition of poor lighting in the office, be it too dim or too bright can cause an employee to strain their eyes. Staining the eyes is not good as it can cause itchiness and painful eyes.
A combination of poor overhead office lighting and too bright computer screens can affect workers’ concentration and ultimately result in reduced office productivity.
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Fatigue plus Drowsiness
Poor lighting can cause employees fatigue which may drive them to seek other forms of distraction to see if they can revive their energies. The employees may consider visiting the social media pages to for distraction and to relieve the stress caused by poor lighting.
However, the installation of alternative sources of office lighting can help minimize the distraction, and cause employees to concentrate on their jobs.
Conclusion
Office lighting should be the number one element to consider when setting up an office. Lighting greatly impacts on employees’ level of concentration, which impacts on office productivity.
