Natural daylighting and views to the outdoors provides an economic form of lighting and at the same time improve the indoor environmental quality in the workplace. The lack of natural daylight affects people in the workplace. Natural daylight has been proven to reduce stress levels and increase employee performance.

We are naturally drawn to the outdoors and feel more comfortable when we are connected in some way with nature. Even though natural daylight can sometimes be a source of glare and uncontrolled or variable illumination, it is still a strong desired feature in the workplace environment.

The following are benefits of natural daylight in the workplace:

Decreased Use of Energy. Making use of natural daylight with lots of window access results in less of a need for artificial lighting, which means less energy consumption and lower energy bills. When artificial lights are left on when no one is around it is a waste of energy and money, but when natural daylight is used there is not any waste.

Many offices that are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint are seeing a large reduction in their annual electricity costs by cutting down on artificial light and maximizing natural daylighting. For an added increase in energy efficiency, they are also installing daylight monitoring sensors, which automatically adjust the light levels indoors according to the light outdoors.

Better Health. Research has proven that headaches and eyestrain are among the leading health problems in the workplace, and these issues are related to the spectrum of light experienced. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) rates how lamps render color. The best CRI is natural daylight because it has the full spectrum of colors.

Eyestrain can be significantly reduced when people have a window with a view. Landscape views, either short-range or long-range force the eye constantly to refocus, benefiting the eyes. Natural daylight helps to increase attentiveness, causes fewer headaches and improves productivity.

Improved Productivity. Besides natural daylight affecting the eyes, it can also have physical effects on the body that influence a person’s mood and motivation levels. Studies have proven that employees prefer to have their workstations near a window because the natural daylight and views of the outdoors provides stimulation and variety throughout the workday.

Bright and open working environments with plenty of windows reduce stress leading to increased concentration and productivity. When companies try to save money on lighting, studies have revealed that the quality of work and productivity decreases.

To improve the amount natural daylight in an existing building, full pane or floor to ceiling windows can be installed to maximize the amount of lighting entering a building. On the top floors, skylights or light tubes can be installed to funnel light into the spaces below. Also, the use of glass walls and low partitions add more visual access to windows helping to create a more efficient workplace.

Employees with convenient access to natural daylight have instant access to time and weather, and a connection to the outside world. When they have a view of the outdoors, they tend to show less stress from their work, less illnesses, and more work satisfaction. They also recover from stressful situations quicker and do not tend to become stressed out as easily.

Employees do not want to feel trapped in a space while working. They need to feel a connection to the outside and want to be able be to enjoy nature while sitting at their desk. A bright, uplifting working environment elevates everyone’s mood.

Lynn Hoffman may be reached at 203-984-4695 or at lynn@lynnhoffmandesign.com.