Workplace Lighting and Its Proper Intensity

Created

10/4/2021

If we want to improve lighting levels in the workplace, that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to buy more light fixtures and consume more energy. On the contrary. Excessive light can cause health problems such as headaches or stress. That’s why it’s more important to review existing lamps, light bulbs, spotlights, and other types of lighting fixtures.

Don't be afraid of natural light

Natural light is becoming an important part of the workplace. The recommended level of natural light in a space ranges from 1.5 to 5 percent. Daylight that is comfortable for the eyes promotes work performance, efficiency, creativity, and mental well-being for every employee.

However, working with it requires careful handling. Direct sunlight can be counterproductive and must be carefully regulated. There are plenty of options, ranging from window orientation to shading techniques. At the same time, you need to account for the loss of light during the winter months.

In this regard, it is important to avoid glare. It is not advisable to sit facing the window; the ideal position is to sit sideways. Matte surfaces are a good choice, as they do not reflect as much sunlight and thus protect your eyes.

The main thing is to have light where you're working

We often underestimate the importance of proper lighting placement. All you need to do is follow the basic rule that the light should be directed toward your hands, not directly into your eyes. At the same time, it’s important to keep safety in mind. We need to be able to see potential hazards, such as stairs, low ceilings, and so on.

The intensity of the lighting then depends on the activity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regularly issues recommendations for various types of operations.

The future lies in smart lighting

While we discussed the ideal combination of natural and artificial light earlier, smart lighting can be a great help in this regard. Since the intensity of daylight changes with the seasons, it’s necessary to constantly adjust the placement of light fixtures. Or maybe not.

Smart lights offer a wide range of features that can handle any situation. With a single tap on your smartphone, you can adjust the brightness as needed. You no longer need to touch the light fixture itself.

Project Lighting

With smart lighting, you’ll always have the situation under control. In the smart app, you can easily create several programs designed to control individual lights. For example, in a conference room, you can set up different lighting scenarios for team meetings, training sessions, or meetings with important clients.