What is the correct lighting for your workplace and why is it vitally important? We speak to the experts at Synergy Creativ to get their insights.
Effective lighting is arguably one of the most crucial aspects in office design – it can hugely impact employee satisfaction and productivity – but it is often overlooked. We’ve teamed up with lighting experts, Synergy Creativ, to look at how you can use lighting effectively to create an atmosphere in your workplace that enhances wellbeing, focus, and creativity.
What makes lighting so important?
Lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping our daily experiences, influencing everything from mood to productivity. Natural light, in particular, helps regulate our circadian rhythms, which impact sleep patterns, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Poor lighting, on the other hand, can contribute to eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and even a decline in mental health. Good lighting is therefore an essential element of any office environment.
Here’s a closer look at different types of office lighting and how they influence your employees’ experience:
Natural Light
Natural light is the gold standard when it comes to workspace lighting. It boosts mood, enhances creativity and improves concentration – not to mention saves energy! To maximise natural light, office layouts should include windows, skylights and open spaces wherever possible. If natural light is limited, strategically placed mirrors and reflective surfaces can help with light distribution.
Ambient Lighting
In an office environment, ambient lighting typically comes from overhead fixtures. However, traditional fluorescent lighting can cause discomfort over time and even lead to eye strain. LED linear lighting is the smart alternative which provides uniform and totally customisable glare-free illumination. LED fixtures are energy-efficient and long-lasting, so also better for the environment and company budgets! Their even light distribution helps reduce harsh contrasts and shadows, creating a more comfortable and productive workspace. Available in adjustable brightness and colour temperatures, LEDs can even be used to effectively mimic daylight. Dimmable LED options allow for customisation according to personal preference or time of day, ensuring an adaptable working environment.
Task Lighting
Task lighting provides targeted illumination for specific work areas, such as desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant lights. Task lighting is ideal for focusing on detailed tasks without relying on harsh overhead lighting.
Accent Lighting
Often considered primarily decorative, accent lighting goes a long way to making your office feel inviting and comfortable. Wall-mounted fixtures, recessed lighting, and stylish pendant lights can soften harsh office lighting and create a welcoming atmosphere in communal spaces. Accent lights are also great for highlighting decorative features such as artwork or architectural elements.
Feature pendant lighting
How to Customise Lighting for Different Office Areas
Different office zones require unique lighting strategies to enhance both functionality and atmosphere. Here are some guidelines for optimising lighting across your various office spaces:
Workstations
Workspaces require well-balanced lighting that minimises glare while providing adequate brightness for focus-driven tasks. A combination of adjustable ambient and task lighting allows employees to tailor their lighting to their specific needs.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting spaces need flexible lighting solutions to accommodate different activities, from presentations to brainstorming sessions. Bright lighting promotes concentration and alertness, while dimmable options are ideal for presentations or more relaxed discussions.
Break Rooms & Lounges
These areas should encourage relaxation and informal interactions. Softer, warm lighting can create a cosy, comfortable setting that helps employees unwind and recharge during breaks.
Relaxing lighting in a break area
Corridors & Entryways
Often overlooked in lighting design, hallways and entrances play a key role in setting the office tone. Well-lit corridors create a sense of openness and energy, making employees feel welcomed and motivated as they enter the workspace.
Understanding the different types of office lighting is key to creating your ideal office environment – an enjoyable workspace which promotes wellbeing as well as productivity. The team at C&S Ltd are proud to collaborate with the lighting experts at Synergy Creativ on projects, bringing their expert advice and tailored lighting solutions to our clients. Together we are able to create workplaces that are not only effective and practical but also look superb.