Many office managers know the kind of things that can affect productivity in the workplace such as the kind of furniture that is used or the colors employed in a space. One thing that often gets overlooked, however, is the impact of lighting choices. An employer’s choice of office lighting can have a huge impact on the productivity of their company, and in fact, a study by the American Society of Interior Design found that 68% of employees complain about the lighting in their office. Clearly, by remedying this common problem, you can ensure that your employees are as productive as possible and positively impact your bottom line.
The Problem: Artificial Lighting
The two most common complaints about office lighting are that the lights are either too dim or too harsh. Dim lighting is a problem because it can cause eye strain that can lead to headaches. They also result in employees feeling drowsy and unable to focus, negatively affecting an employee’s sense of motivation. Harsh lighting is more common than dim lights but just as harmful to employees. Fluorescent lights are common in office spaces and yet are known as a trigger for migraine headaches. In addition, they cause eye strain and drowsiness just like dim lighting.
The Solution: Natural Lighting
Natural light is the best remedy for the problems associated with artificial light. This is because natural light affects the human body in two ways. First, it affects how well we are able to see things. Second, it indirectly impacts our mood through hormonal balance. Studies have shown that office redesigns that integrate more natural lighting into a space result in more satisfied workers and fewer days missed due to sickness. This increase in satisfaction and happiness naturally leads to higher productivity. Not only will your workers be able to produce more, when done right your new office will also save money on your energy bills every month!
Ready to Transform Your Office Design with Some New Furniture?
American Design Associates, Inc. is a furniture dealer and design firm serving clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We strive to ensure that every customer ends up with the office design and furniture to help their business run for years to come. We have the expertise and resources to help you get your move off to a great stress-free start. Visit us online to see what we can do for you, or give us a call at (410) 823-5500. To see examples of our work and get more advice on furnishing your office space, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+.