Improve Workspace Productivity with LED Office Lighting
What is LED Lighting?
LED lighting (light-emitting diode) uses small electrical components called semiconductors which produce light when an electrical current passes through, unlike standard lightbulbs such as incandescent, which generate light when heated.
LED lights are charged by electrical currents, meaning they do not suffer from energy expenditure due to heat. The electrical currents make LEDs more energy-efficient than a standard lightbulb, using around 80% less electrical power than traditional lighting forms. An LED lightbulb tends to run on lower wattage than a typical lightbulb, consuming less power yet producing the same amount of light.
Why LED Office Lighting?
As little as 15 minutes of exposure to natural daylight is enough to release positive endorphins to the body all day that spike creativity and productivity. The evolution of technology allows us to mimic daylight through LED lighting to achieve the same result as if we were exposed to natural light all day.
So why LED lighting? Due to the bright white light that LED lighting produces, we can imitate daylight to stimulate the brain and improve accuracy, alertness, and mood. Studies in Europe have shown that switching to office LED lighting can improve work performance by 3%, increasing reading speed and reducing overall working errors.
Colour and Temperature of Office Lighting
What is Kelvin?
Lighting temperature is measured through Kelvins, a scale that refers to the coolness or warmth of light. The higher the Kelvin, the cooler the light, ranging from 1000K to 10,000K.
Lighting tones and brightness levels affect us in different ways. Warm yellows and orange lights are ideal for relaxing at home and winding down in the evening. When thinking about the most effective lighting for the office, bright is right!
Optimal Office Lighting
Cool blues and white light are optimal for working, boosting concentration, and sparking energy. Colour temperatures between 4000k and 7000k mimic daylight, the ideal lighting colour we recommend for offices.
If you wish to optimize your lighting further, consider the time of day. In the morning, a lighter and brighter temperature will keep employees alert and get them ready for the day ahead. As the day progresses, the lighting should have more warmth, helping everyone wind down and reduce eyestrain and headaches.
Morning
5000k – Cool White Light
Energize your mind with cool white light in the morning. Alert yourself and help your mind wake up for the day ahead.
Daytime
4000k – Neutral White Light
The ideal colour temperature. Stay focused, alert, and energized with this light without overstraining the eyes.
Evening
2700k – Warm White Light
Relax and wind down in the evening with this soft lighting tone. Create a calm environment to de-stress from the day and switch off.
Advantages of LED Lighting
As mentioned above, LED lighting has many benefits for office productivity. Additionally, LEDs offer other features to improve your workspace and reduce your carbon footprint.
Dimmers
Functions such as dimmers are a great tool. If eyes are straining or a task does not require maximum brightness, use the dimming features to reduce light levels. You can also use the dimming function to control seasonal lighting. On a bright summer day, you may not need office lighting at full brightness. However, in the winter months, it is crucial to keep the office well lit, we would recommend using full-brightness levels here.
Timers
Timers offer multiple advantages when used with your LED office lighting. You can save on your energy bill by eliminating the risk of lights left on all night. Just set the time you want for the lights to turn off and let the timer do it for you. Furthermore, you can set a time for the lights to switch on in the morning to ensure the early birds are not stumbling through the dark!
Another benefit of timers is for security reasons. During the weekend or holiday season, the office may be vacant for a few days. Set the lights to a specific time and create the illusion that the office is full.
More Tips to Brighten the Office
Task Lighting
For computer work, paperwork, and other tasks that require concentration, direct lighting can help keep the mind focused. Using an adjustable desk lamp, you can direct light exactly where you need it to provide bright task lighting without disturbing the rest of the office.
Remove Glare and Shadows
Consider where your light is coming from. If the light source is behind you and you’re working on a computer, this will create a glare on your monitor that can be distracting. The same thing applies to shadows when using task lighting. Try to position lighting directly above your workspace, and if you can, experiment with different angles and positions to find what works best for you.
Natural Lighting
We should never underestimate the power of natural lighting. Natural light reduces eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision while increasing positivity and productivity. If you have large windows in your office space, be sure to utilize the natural light for common areas rather than a private office, so everyone can reap the benefits of natural light. If your office is windowless, consider installing skylights to brighten the space.
The Power of Light
Evidence has shown us that the right light can be very impactful for employee productivity and well-being in the office. Although natural lighting is preferable, our LED technology has allowed us to mimic daylight to provide the same benefits as if we were exposed to natural lighting all day. For offices with less or no access to daylight our LED lighting is an energy-efficient way to create a more productive environment for your employees.
At EGLO, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality products to achieve their lighting goals. Explore our wide range of LED office lighting now and improve productivity in your workspace today!