Office lighting
Optimal lighting in the workplace increases efficiency
Lighting can not only be used to draw attention to products and increase sales. It can also create more efficiency in the office and happy employees who feel comfortable.
Most people who spend many hours in an office are familiar with the challenge of becoming tired and drowsy during the day, and perhaps even experiencing headaches. There can, of course, be several reasons for this, but one of them is incorrect office lighting. Good office lighting is important as it contributes to creating optimal working conditions. It is all about creating a pleasant and stimulating work environment.
Office lighting is not just in the office itself
Office lighting is about more than just the office itself. We need to delve into the details and remember to consider the general lighting and the lighting at the workstation. It is there that optimal office lighting is achieved and where we create optimal working conditions. And let’s not forget about meeting rooms and everything else that comes with it. The choice of lamps is important. We go through it all here, and if you need to speak with one of our lighting experts afterwards, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The right color temperature (Kelvin) is important
A common mistake that is often made is that the light is too ‘warm’. In other words, the Kelvin value is too low.
As we mentioned in the first section, studies have shown that color temperature has a significant impact on our energy levels and mood. The conclusion is that if you are exposed to warm light for a long period, you become drowsy and tired. Consequently, work efficiency will decline.
What is the optimal color temperature for office lighting?
Our recommendation is to choose lamps with a color temperature of 3000K or above.
Create connection between natural and artificial light
Office environments vary greatly, so it is not enough to consider only the color temperature
Light should be viewed as a whole, and there should be interaction between artificial light and daylight
Daylight is the best form of work light. It is therefore important to have sufficient windows so that natural light can illuminate most of the room. However, it will always be necessary with artificial light as a supplement since
daylight varies in strength.
If you have an office with north-facing windows, there is often a need for more light compared to an office with south-facing windows.
To adapt artificial light to natural light, it is a good idea to use lamps where either the lumens or Kelvin can be adjusted. This avoids too much contrast with natural light when seasons change.
If the office is designed for it, place work desks against the window wall so the line of sight is parallel to the windows.
Of course, there should be an option to shield the sun to avoid being bothered by light or heat, especially if the windows face south.
The screening should ideally be a flexible solution that does not block out all light and views.
The different types of light in the workplace
To achieve optimal lighting in the workplace, one type of light is rarely enough.
Instead, different types of light should be used that are suitable for different work areas and provide a good dynamic.
General lighting
First and foremost, there should be general lighting that ensures even distribution of light throughout the room. This can be achieved through fixtures that provide diffuse light or a track system with the right spots,
The light source should be shielded and positioned so that the light enters from the side of the worktable. Otherwise, there is a risk that the light will dazzle or reflect in the computer screen. It is therefore important to adjust so that there is not too much light.
If it is a large open office, the same general lighting throughout the room may not be optimal. Instead, it should be adapted so that there is variation from the corridors, workstations, and other areas. Otherwise, it can quickly become monotonous and boring.
Do you need to be able to adjust the brightness?
Our track lighting systems can be controlled, allowing you to adjust the light and thus determine the brightness in the room, whether it is in the office itself or in one of the meeting rooms.
Særbelysning
Accent lighting is a term used for lighting that is used to illuminate specific elements in the room.
It can be a whiteboard, a meeting table, or decorative elements. By using accent
lighting, you create variation in the lighting, but it can also be used to make the
room appear brighter by illuminating different walls.
Think about where accent lighting could be relevant in your office environment.
Perhaps you have a lounge area in the office where you want atmospheric
lighting, an architectural element you want to highlight, or a large white wall that can reflect light.
Light at the workstation
In some offices, it will be optimal to also use extra light at the workstations, so
employees can regulate it themselves.
The easy solution is a table lamp with concentrated light, but you can also use a
floor lamp or wall lamp.
Again, it is important that the light does not dazzle, and it should therefore come in from the side below eye level.
What light sources should we use for good office lighting?
Not all light sources can be used everywhere. However, for office lighting, multiple light sources can be used in combination. As described above, good office lighting involves considering both general lighting, accent lighting, and lighting at the workstation.
For accent lighting, we often use lamps such as pendants, which typically use LED bulbs. But for general office lighting, where we’re talking about spotlights, integrated light sources are used, eliminating the need for bulb replacement.
Can we assist you?
In the above, you have received some good advice on how to create the right lighting when it comes to office lighting. This applies to both your office, the actual workstation where targeted lighting is needed while avoiding physiological glare, and other areas in the office where different areas need to be well lit. Office lighting encompasses many aspects. And remember these tips when it comes to lamps for your home office as well.
If you need help, advice, and guidance regarding office lighting, please give us a call or send us an email. We are available to provide lighting advice and explain how to ensure the proper lighting in your office. We have all the lamps to achieve the right office lighting.
We can assist with lamps for commercial purposes beyond office lighting. Read here, what plays an important role when it comes to store lighting or what to consider when it comes to lighting for restaurants and cafes.
Frequently Asked Questions about office lighting
It is firstly important to consider lighting from the beginning. Additionally, you should have both primary lighting, accent lighting, and lighting at the workstation. Also, remember to consider lighting in corridors, meeting rooms, cafeterias, etc.
It is important to have the primary lighting, which illuminates the room. Here, a flexible solution should be considered, preferably with tracks and spotlights, allowing for the possibility of rearranging the layout.
Yes, you can wasily do that. However, we do not recommend using pendant lights as primary lighting, but rather as accent lighting, which can be used in lounge areas, over dining tables in the cafeteria, or above the conference table in the meeting room.
Pendant lights help create ambiance and add character to the space.
We have several different spotlights that are well-suited for office environments. Among them are our Easy spots, which are available as 3-phase and can be used with our Global tracks. Additionally, S16 spots are also suitable for office environments.
