We know that an office with plenty of natural light is a solid sales pitch. This is key to any office description. Nobody wants to work in an office that is dark and obscure. We can all appreciate the benefits of natural light and outdoor views in the workspace as it promotes a calm, welcoming environment that helps to make staff healthier and more productive.
In this article, let us explore why natural light is important, the benefits it can bring and how you can bring more natural light into the office.
Natural light increases well-being and productivity – the evidence.
The National Sleep Foundation found in its 2017 study, suggest that office workers exposed to high levels of natural light had better quality of sleep than those workers who were not exposed to any natural light. It is natural light that helps regulate the sleep and waking habits of the organism.
In a more recent study of 313 office employees, Dr Alan Hedge of Cornell University cited other advantages of natural light in the office, including:
- Less drowsiness
- Improved mood
- Reduced eye strain
- Fewer headaches
- Fewer mistakes
Productivity increases as natural light exposure occurs.
While it is difficult to accurately quantify productivity growth with natural light, there are many studies to highlight the many benefits.
1. Healthier workers
Several health benefits from the National Sleep Foundation have already been discussed. Another research study by the University of Oregon showed a correlation between an office worker’s view from their desk and the amount of natural light they receive, and the number of sick days they took. Those that were more exposed to natural light took 6.5% less sick time.
2. More Engaged Workers
According to the World Green Building Council, workers feel more engaged when working under daylight. This means they are more likely to stay focused and collaborate with their colleagues, making them more productive.
3. More Sleep, Better Work
In a study by Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois, experts found that office workers exposed to daylight slept better and longer than their counterparts. Those who receive more natural white light earned an average of 46 minutes of extra sleep.
4. Happier Workers
The relationship between daylight and vitamin D is well known and can affect your mood, making you happier. Vitamin D derived from natural light can help us fight depression, diabetes, chronic pain and thereby help sustain our happiness.
Benefits to businesses with brighter offices.
Aside from the benefits of employee happiness and productivity, bright offices can reap more tangible benefits.
- Natural light increases office space value – Offices with generous natural light are more appealing to tenants and it is estimated that on average tenants will pay two (2) to four (4) dollars per square foot more for naturally lit space.
- Reduced utility costs – Lighting accounts for about a third of office electricity costs, and with some thoughtful design, utility bills can be reduced by making good use of natural light and the warmth it can produce.
How to maximize Natural light within your Office.
Here are a few tried and true ways architects use to maximize the light in office design. Maybe you could use some to cheer up your office?
1. Insert Natural light in heavily used Areas.
If possible, try to make natural light available to as many workplaces as possible. If the design prevents light from accessing the central zones, then consider adding skylights to reach these zones.
2. Use diffused Light
Use frosted glass, light boxes and diffusion screens to distribute natural light more uniformly. This will reduce glare, bright shadows and hot spots that detract from comfort and productivity.
3. Use lightweight, matte Wallcoverings.
Using clear colors on the walls will help reflect the light, but it is wise to use a matte finish to absorb the glare.
4. Landscaped Exteriors
Careful outdoor landscaping using trees and shrubs can provide natural shading and encourage workers to take a break outdoors.
5. Daylight Lighting
Many architects use office lamps that emit light in the same spectrum as daytime natural light. The addition of dimmers can also aid in controlling the artificially lit environment.
How to find Offices with great Natural Light?
“The Employee Experience” survey of 1614 employees conducted by US HR advisory firm Future Workplace revealed that access to natural light and views of the outside were the number one attribute of the workplace environment, ranking higher than cafes, fitness rooms and other perks.
If you are looking for a new office with good natural light high on your agenda, then contact us today for the latest locations, availability and prices.