How to Choose the Best Office Lighting for Productivity
Every office is different. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best office lighting for your workspace.
What Type of Work Is Done in the Space?
Different jobs require different types of light. All workspaces can benefit from overhead lighting and natural light.
- Manufacturing workplaces need abundant lighting for worker safety and precision, especially in areas where people are working with machinery. In such workplaces, pair overhead lights with direct-indirect lighting fixtures, which shine light evenly up and down, for complete illumination.
- Soft lighting is ideal in offices where many people work on computers, as harsh lighting and the light from electronic screens can lead to eye strain and headaches.
- Medical facilities, laboratories and restaurant kitchens may benefit from bright overhead fluorescent lighting, as acute attention to detail is essential in these workplaces. Bright office light fixtures can eliminate shadows and glares if you space them appropriately.
- Relaxed and cozy working environments, such as libraries or counseling centers, benefit from soft, natural lighting.
When employees feel they have some control over aspects of their working environment, such as room temperature and lighting, productivity increases. It can be beneficial to provide different lighting options or adjustable office light fixtures so workers can choose what works best for them. Doing this also helps accommodate employees with different needs.
What’s the Current Lighting Situation?
When choosing office lighting, it’s also important to consider the characteristics and features of the specific space you’re lighting. Some spaces have an abundance of natural lighting, while others have shadowy areas and would benefit from brighter lighting options.
The United States General Services Administration determines the guidelines for the required lumens per square meter for places of employment. The current standard is 500 lumens per square meter, which is relatively low and approximately equivalent to the amount of light a 35-watt incandescent bulb emits. For comparison, many desk lamps produce about 800 lumens when using a 60-watt bulb.
For desk work, each employee should have a task light available. These adjustable desk lamps allow a person to easily switch between reading papers and looking at a computer without placing extra strain on their eyes from constant adjusting.
How to Choose the Hue and Brightness
Blue light and white light are generally conducive to productivity and alertness, as they’re the most similar options to daylight. LED and fluorescent light bulbs emit light in this spectrum. If you work in an environment without windows or with minimal natural light, consider using cooler, blue lighting — the light bulbs may even say “daylight” on them — to make up for it. LED bulbs can mimic natural daylight and are often dimmable for your convenience.
Soft, warm, yellow and toned lighting options are generally more comforting and conducive to creativity and open discussion. When choosing the hue of your office lighting, consider the atmosphere you’re trying to create.
Another option is to create a balance between different colors and temperatures of light. Different lighting can set the tone for a workspace. There are even programmable light fixtures that adjust the light color and brightness based on the time of day and season. This can complement workers’ natural circadian rhythms and increase productivity by reducing fatigue.
It’s useful to consider your employees as well as your clients when selecting the optimal hue for your workplace. Dimmable bulbs are also an option to accommodate rainy days, overly sunny days and meetings that happen early in the morning or late at night.
Groups that work collaboratively may prefer brighter lighting to encourage eye contact, open discussions and productive meetings. Workers tackling solo projects may enjoy soft lighting to foster individual thought and the development of personal ideas. Wall sconces and cove lights can help create a cozy medium for a multitude of workplace applications.
Office Lighting Ideas to Fit Your Needs and Space
Follow these tips to get the most out of your interior lighting.
Combine Ceiling Lights and Task Lights
Besides thinking about the unique characteristics of your physical workspace, it’s also important to consider your typical working hours. Bright lights may feel harsh in the early morning hours or late in the evening. However, this type of lighting may also help you or your workers stay alert and productive at times when focusing is more challenging. For flexibility, consider purchasing both tabletop lamps with personal controls as well as overhead ceiling light options.
Use Interior Design to Enhance Your Lighting
Use bright, warm paint or wallpaper to reflect light around your space. Light color schemes for walls and décor can reflect light and make spaces feel bright. This is a great option for home offices and spaces that lack natural light. Take advantage of windows and prevent glare and backlighting by positioning your desk at a 90-degree angle to the window.
Improve What You Already Have
Use light filters and different light bulbs to customize your professional or home workspace lighting and optimize your productivity. Fluorescent light filters can make the light appear more natural and less harsh. You can also add a dimmer switch and dimmable light bulbs to your existing fixtures. Add motion sensors or timers to make any light fixture more cost effective.
Fight Flickering
Flickering lights — even when the flicker is nearly imperceivable — can be distracting and contribute to migraine headaches and eye strain. Combat flickering by checking your fixture connection, upgrading to electronic ballasts, checking dimmer switch compatibility (if applicable) and regularly replacing the light bulbs.
For more tips on choosing the right lighting for other commercial spaces, check out our guide How to Choose Commercial Lighting.