Ergonomics and office lighting: How light affects productivity and well-being
- Mette Bergholdt
- Last updated29. April 2026
A good working environment is about more than just a comfortable chair and a height-adjustable desk set at the right level. For many of us, the working day takes place in front of a screen, often for many hours at a time. That is why our surroundings play an important role in our comfort, concentration and energy throughout the day.
When we talk about ergonomics in the office, most people first think of sitting posture, screen placement and desk settings. But lighting is just as important. The right office lighting can help create a calm atmosphere, reduce unnecessary strain on the eyes and make it easier to stay focused — whether the working day consists of meetings, deep work, screen-based tasks or creative projects.
In this blog post, we take a closer look at how ergonomics and office lighting are connected, and what you should pay attention to when creating a workplace that is both pleasant and efficient to work in.
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Mette Bergholdt
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The importance of good office lighting
The light in the workplace directly influences our ability to perform tasks efficiently and with minimal strain. Too strong light can cause glare and discomfort, while too weak light can force the eyes to work harder to focus.
Both scenarios can result in headaches, fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise, which not only affects the individual’s work performance but also the well-being in the workplace. This can ultimately increase the number of sick days.
Moreover, light also plays a role in the regulation of our circadian rhythm. The right light at the right times can help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, which is important for our sleep quality and overall well-being.
Therefore, investing in quality lighting can be seen both as an investment in employee health and the company’s bottom line.
Natural light vs. artificial light in the workplace
Daylight is considered to be the most ideal form of lighting in the workplace. It helps both to regulate our circadian rhythm, improve our overall well-being, and maintain a high level of concentration. To make the best use of daylight in the workplace, it’s a good idea to position desks parallel to the windows to maximize exposure to natural light without creating direct glare on the screen.
Unfortunately, daylight can rarely stand alone, as there are several factors, such as building design, geographical location, and season, that often limit the amount of natural light.
In situations where natural light is limited, artificial lighting becomes crucial in maintaining a productive and comfortable work environment.
Ergonomic lighting design
An ergonomic lighting design takes several factors into account, including light intensity, colour temperature and placement of light sources.
Light intensity and colour temperature
As mentioned earlier, daylight is the best form of light in terms of concentration ability. Therefore, it’s a great advantage if one can create a lighting environment that mimics natural light.
To achieve this, it’s important to consider the color temperature of the light sources, which is measured in Kelvin.
A low Kelvin provides a warmer light, while a higher Kelvin gives a more white/blueish light. For workplaces, it’s recommended to use light sources between 3000-4000 Kelvin.
In addition to Kelvin, the brightness, which is indicated in lumens, is another important factor to consider. The higher the value, the more powerful the light. Here, you need to find a good level where the light is neither too weak nor too bright.
