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How To Choose The Best Office Lighting
How To Choose The Best Office Lighting
June 26, 2023

How To Choose The Best Office Lighting

At Neighborhood Electric, we provide local homeowners and businesses with professional lighting installation services. The lighting setup in an office is more than just a design choice. It can have drastic effects on the mood, productivity, focus, and overall well-being of those working within the workspace. Having a well-thought-out lighting system can boost productivity and morale, making your business a more comfortable and efficient place to work. This guide provides insights into choosing the best office lighting system for optimal work performance.

Balancing Comfort and Brightness

It may seem obvious that office lighting needs to be bright enough for employees to see clearly. However, achieving the right balance between comfort and brightness is a delicate task. While dim lighting can slow productivity and reduce morale, excessively bright light can also be harmful. It can cause discomfort, lead to eyestrain, and result in harsh glares from computer screens, causing distraction and potential headaches. The illumination level in a workspace should ideally be between 500 and 1000 lux for general office work. However, these are just general guidelines. It is highly recommended to consult with a professional electrician to determine the appropriate brightness level considering your office's unique attributes.

Leveraging Natural Light

Natural light has a positive effect on the human psyche. Exposure to natural light can improve mood, enhance alertness, and boost overall well-being. It’s friendlier to the eyes and can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. When designing an office space or looking for a new office location, consider how the building can take advantage of natural light. Buildings with large windows and doors allow more sunlight to penetrate the space, creating a more open and welcoming environment.

Mitigating Shadows

Shadows can be a source of distraction, making it difficult for workers to focus. They create uneven lighting conditions, which can strain the eyes. Therefore, it's important to eliminate shadows as much as possible. This task can be achieved by combining natural light with other light sources like task lighting or ambient lighting. This can fill in the darker areas and provide a more even light distribution.

Combining Light from Multiple Sources

An office lighting system shouldn't rely on one type of lighting. Instead, it should include a combination of various light sources to ensure an evenly lit workspace, eliminate shadows, and reduce glare. Here are some light sources that every office should consider:

  • Natural Lighting: Maximizing the use of natural light through large windows and doors can make an office feel more open and welcoming.
  • Task Lighting: Small lamps on each desk can significantly supplement ambient and natural light. They help illuminate fine details, making them perfect for tasks that require precision, such as reading or drawing.
  • Corrective Lighting: Corrective lighting fixtures, placed behind computer monitors, help reduce glare and harsh shadows that can cause eyestrain.
  • Mood Lighting: While this form of lighting, also known as accent lighting, is primarily for decorative purposes, it can contribute to creating a pleasant and engaging work environment.

Considering Personal Preferences

Before finalizing the lighting setup, consider conducting a quick survey among your employees. This can help you understand their preferences and needs better. After all, a lighting setup that enhances the comfort and productivity of your employees will undoubtedly contribute to a better office environment.

Do You Need Help from a Trusted Local Electrician?

Whether you're an office manager or a business owner, assessing your current lighting setup can have a major impact. Get the quality services you need by calling Neighborhood Electric. Our professionals are ready to help you get the most from your lighting system. Contact our office for more details about our services or to schedule a convenient lighting installation appointment with an electrician near you.