How Proper Lighting Boosts Productivity

Proper workplace lighting can enhance productivity

The quality and type of lighting in your workplace can significantly impact your productivity, focus, and alertness throughout the day. Here’s how proper lighting keeps you performing at your best.

Match Lighting to Circadian Rhythms

Your body follows natural circadian rhythms throughout the day. Aligning lighting with these patterns boosts energy.

Morning Brightness

Exposure to bright, blue-enriched white light in the morning helps you feel more alert and focused. Use daylight bulbs or sit near sunlight.

Avoiding Afternoon Glare

As the day progresses, reduce glare and harsh light. Add task lighting for specific work areas. Consider tinted computer glasses.

Embracing Warm Lighting

In the late afternoon and evening, shift to incandescent or amber toned bulbs. This prepares your body for rest.

Reduce Visual Strain for Comfort

Straining to see in poor lighting quickly causes fatigue and headaches. Follow positioning best practices.

Avoid Overhead Glare

Position workspaces perpendicular to windows to avoid glare on computer screens.

Add Localized Lighting

Supplement overhead lights with nearby table and floor lamps. This puts light right where you need it.

Dim Bright Screens

If screens are too bright for surrounding lighting, use apps like Flux to dim screens at night.

Promote Alertness and Focus

Proper illumination keeps you mentally sharp through the workday.

Brightness for Energy

Bright white light, whether natural or from light therapy lamps, boosts alertness. Dim lighting leads to drowsiness.

Task Lighting for Concentration

Use directed task lighting when doing detailed or creative work. Ambient overhead light can be distracting.

Zone Lighting

Create zones of brighter light for high focus tasks, and dimmer areas for lower focus needs. This guides the eye.

The Right Light for Productivity

Follow these tips to maximize productivity with lighting tailored to your workspace and needs.