How can you make your workplace more functional? Many business owners and managers think it comes down to using fancy floor plans, having the latest tech, and hiring only the best employees. While all those factors matter, the lighting variety in your workplace also plays a huge role in functionality and productivity.
Good lighting makes smaller offices feel larger and larger offices easier to navigate. The key to good lighting is lighting variety—employees should always have the amount of light they need in various spaces. Keep reading to learn how to add lighting variety to your workplace.
Convert Ceiling Lights into LED Recessed Lighting
Different workplaces can feature different ceiling lights. Convert older ceiling lights to LED recessed lighting to ensure that ceiling lights create the best visual atmosphere for employees instead of distractions. Recessed lighting of any kind limits visual distractions in a space. Additionally, LED lights last longer than traditional bulbs while using less energy, which saves you money and helps you go green. Going green is good for the environment and brand image, and changing bulbs is a great place to start.
Add Wall Lights
Humans work best when light comes from multiple sources, not just from overhead. Wall lights are growing in popularity and are an effective way to provide diverse lighting solutions. Place wall lights seven feet off the floor. This height prevents the lights from directly shining in your tallest employees’ eyes. Seven feet is also low enough to create a different visual effect than ceiling lights, which some employees may prefer.
Provide Adjustable Desk Lamps
Everyone has different lighting preferences. Instead of forcing all your employees to bow to one lighting preference, provide adjustable desk lamps that they can customize. This direct lighting is stimulating, which can improve focus and productivity. However, since these lights can be overstimulating as well, employees must be able to dim and rearrange the light as needed.
If your employees work at collective tables instead of assigned desks, then place adjustable desk lamps along the table. Not every seat needs its own light; too many individual light sources can be distracting. Instead, place a lamp at every other seat or every three seats. Employees can sit together based on lighting preferences for a satisfied communal atmosphere.
Hang Mirrors or Reflective Décor
In nature, we receive light directly and indirectly. Indirect light often comes from reflections of direct light, such as water reflecting sunlight. Mimicking this natural phenomenon in your office is an excellent way to balance lighting throughout the workplace.
Mirrors are the most obvious solution for redirecting light. You can hang them strategically throughout your office, especially around windows, for maximum light reflection. They also make small spaces feel bigger, which is a great tip for maximizing small office space.
If you want to keep mirrors in personal spaces such as bathrooms, there are other ways to reflect light. Add décor made from metal and other reflective materials. Metal décor can make your office look modern and professional while spreading light throughout your space.
Different lighting solutions will work better for different spaces. Adding lighting variety to your workplace and experimenting with diverse lighting options is key for keeping your office functional and productive.
