How to ensure the perfect office lighting

An employer who pays attention to good office lighting invests in happy and healthy employees. Does that sound a bit exaggerated? It is not. The right light is far more important for our physical and mental well-being than you might think. The good news: you do not need a large budget or abundant natural light for the perfect office lighting.

“It is very simple,” says Marnick Smessaert, founder of design and lighting agency Dark, “everything a person needs requires the right light.” The impact of poor lighting is significant: from headaches to concentration problems and even a reduced sense of happiness.

“In a poorly lit environment, you do not work well or happily. Conversely, good lighting can even provide an edge in the war on talent,” says Marnick.

Spot-free lighting

While an office ideally has plenty of natural light, that is not the only thing that matters. Marnick explains: “It is best to make optimal use of the daylight you have, but uniform lighting of the workplace is especially important.” He continues: “The two square meters where you work and look with concentration: the light must be uniform there. A play of light and dark is irritating and tiring, as our eyes must constantly adapt to their surroundings.”

Fluctuating light is the primary cause of physical discomforts such as headaches. Employers are therefore advised to choose high-quality light sources that optimally complement daylight and shine evenly on desks or worktables. If you have a slightly larger budget, you can even choose to install a lighting system that mimics the natural daylight cycle.

Light follows functionality

Another golden tip is to tailor the lighting of a room to the type of work being performed. “In a room where creative brainstorming takes place, there should not be a bright fluorescent fixture,” says Marnick. “Light must follow and enhance the functionality of a space. In a break-out room for 1-on-1 meetings, the light can be more intimate. In a large meeting room, it should be more prominent.” As an employer, it is best to first consider the desired result and then decide on matters such as light color, intensity, or color temperature.

Allowing for rest

“When you step away from your well-lit workspace or meeting room, you should be able to look around and get a homely feeling,” says Marnick. You create that tranquility by combining cozy lighting with a warm environment.

Ready to transform your office into a smart workplace?

In short: an atmospheric look and feel allows the right lighting to reach its full potential. And vice versa. We would be happy to advise you with a personalized, custom proposal. With the right interplay of color, texture, light, and furniture, we design the ideal workplace for you and your team.