The amount of daylight each day can really make all the difference to how productive or unproductive we are! While many of us are aware that the weather can really affect the way we feel, fewer appreciate the impact that different lighting can have on us generally – and particularly on how well we work from home.
Light can really affect how we feel and can lift our mood, making us confident and optimistic or it can pull our spirits down making us sluggish and lethargic This of course, will in turn affect how well we perform and how well we can concentrate. Office designers have long appreciated the impact that good and bad lighting has on staff, their happiness in the work environment and importantly, the level of their productivity.
Why is good interior lighting important?
If you are working remotely from home, the indoor lighting that you have in your work space is very important and should be evaluated. If you have good lighting that is comfortable to work in during office hours and is of the right color temperature, you are going to enjoy your work more, achieve more and feel greater satisfaction. This is a win-win situation!
How it affects your ‘body clock’
The importance of good lighting is linked to our internal body clocks which are very light sensitive. Our body clocks are known as circadian rhythms and they ensure that we wake up approximately the same time every morning and fall asleep the same time at night too. This body clock is very sensitive so it can easily get ‘thrown out’ when the clocks change altering the hours of daylight and darkness. Those who do night shifts for work such as medical staff and other night workers find it incredibly hard to get to sleep during the day. After a while, however, their body adapts.
Does the type of lighting matter?
The type of light that you have in your workspace is very important. If you have lights with a soft golden glow, the chances are you will be struggling to concentrate after a while. Your body has interpreted the cosy lighting to be a signal to relax. In contrast, if the lighting is cool, clear and bright, your brain will immediately go into ‘work mode’ with all neurons ready for action!
Scientists and researchers have run many tests to establish if there is a link between the type of lighting and the level of productivity. They found that 26%-28% of workers did not feel as tired as their levels of melatonin were suppressed by the bright light. A similar percentage were definitely feeling more alert. Importantly, there was a nearly 20% increase in their levels of productivity. Another interesting observation recorded by the researchers was that the staff members found that they were not reaching for snack foods as readily. Perhaps the level of snacking can be determined by lighting?
Is there an easy solution?
If you are working from home, it is well worth assessing your lighting situation. Even if your home is a rental property, it is fairly easy to adjust the lighting to ensure that the color temperature of the lights is an optimal level. The great news is that you will notice the difference they make in just days. What you need to assess is the Kelvin measurement (k). This is a numerical measurement of the color emitted by light. When the lights are on, they emit tomes of different colors. This measurement is normally labeled on the box your lights come in. It is sometimes marked on the light bulb itself depending on the brand.
If you have a light bulb that is covering the area in a warm golden glow, it probably has a low Kelvin reading of 2000k - 4000k. If the lighting is bright and cool it is probably mid-range at 4000k - 5500k. Finally, if the lighting is really bright and has a strong blue hue, you have got light with the highest measurement of 5500k - 7000k. 4000k - 5000k is typically the most common for a work environment but there is no hard and fast rule as to which type will work best for you. A little experimentation will soon indicate which lighting ensures you are in a productive mood and not dozing off.
Here's to productive days ahead!
A simple solution to the problem is to have a light study run for your space. Particularly if you have an in home office, workshop or garage, this can be a surefire way to pick the best lighting. LED shop lighting can be an ideal fit for any work area attached to your house, but perhaps recessed lighting is the way to go in your space. A light study can help you determine the best solution for your unique space to fulfill your unique needs. Will all your new found productivity, hopefully a nice bonus will be on it’s way!
Author Bio: Shaimaa Mortada is an expert marketer, author. And she has helped business owners achieve their exposure with marketing strategies. She enjoys writing and making an impact in the digital world.
