Create Atmosphere with Lighting

Different professions have different occupational hazards but safety is always the responsibility of the company. One of the precautionary measures is the lighting incorporated within the workplace. It has an enormous impact on an individual’s performance, motivation, health, and well-being. Proper illumination will reduce the chance of accidents and mistakes while working, which will cause an increase in productivity. In fact, 30 – 60 % probability of error is reduced by good quality lighting. Eye-strain, headache, neck pain, and nausea also lessen in frequency if a workplace is sufficiently illuminated.

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Lighting is also dependent on the work that is being done. The employee will require greater illumination if the work is detail-oriented or technical, whereas simple work (which may include wrapping, managing, loading and unloading of goods) can be done in lesser light. Below are the lighting options you can choose from.

Fluorescent vs. LED

The use of fluorescent lighting has drastically decreased because of the toxic substances like mercury present in them. This substance causes visual uneasiness, headaches, stress, and reduces visual performance. Its color is also quite repulsive, and is the main cause of headaches. Studies have also shown a fall in accurate task performance but greater speed when fluorescent lights were used.

LED lights, on the other hand, are gaining popularity as they promote a greener environment. They take up less energy, cut a company's carbon footprint, and can work for longer periods (sometimes up to 20 years!). Although there are some great benefits to buying LED lights, one drawback includes its cost; LED lights are very expensive compared to fluorescent lights.

If you rationally consider the cost, in the long run, LED light is less expensive than using light bulbs because it reduces your electricity bill and you only have to buy them once or twice in ten years. These lighting fixtures may thus be good for the workspace but requires a high initial investment to make it work.

White Light vs. Yellow Light

These can also be differentiated as cool and warm lights. The color doesn’t have as much of an impact as their intensity. The color of the light usually sets up the atmosphere or mood which is needed in that environment. Although there are no rules to choosing which shade is applicable in which environment, there are a few points you can consider:

Warm color gives a homey feeling, whereas white portrays a professional look. That is why our homes tend to have yellow lights and most offices make use of white lights. If you want to shift toward an environmentally friendly workspace, then white lights are best as they use up less energy when compared to yellow ones. But if your focus is the atmosphere and the presence of warmth, then yellow lights might be applicable instead. White lights are better for reading and last longer, whereas yellow lights are cheaper in the short run.

Lamps vs. Overhead

Office lighting usually consists of overhead illumination as it provides better coverage as compared to lamps. Office work requires reading documents and dealing with lots of written material, which can only be read clearly with proper overhead illumination. As lamps give less light, they can be used in conjunction with the overhead fixtures, but using only lamps at the workplace is not recommended.

Effects of Lights on Moods

As colors can lighten or brighten up a person’s mood, so can lights in an office. Unsuitable illumination can cause mood disorders which include: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can cause depression. The symptoms of these disorders include: headache, overeating, social withdrawal, lack of attentiveness and energy, morning sickness, irritability and oversleeping.

One thing we must not forget, though, is that natural light is healthier for us and for our environment. To make use of natural light, you should better utilize the windows in your workspace to foster a positive atmosphere for your employees.

 
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About Jasmin

Jasmin handles Internet sales and digital marketing here at Creative Office Furniture. She's been a valuable member of the Creative team since March 2014.[/author_info] [/author]