Working a nine-to-five has effects on the human body. Some people get backaches from sitting in an office chair for too long. Meanwhile, others develop respiratory problems from breathing in dry air from air conditioning units. In addition, their stress levels rise considerably over time. It’s often overlooked, but one of the causes of poor health and productivity is the lack of exposure to sunlight. Most offices make use of blackout curtains and harsh fluorescent lighting that can make the human body feel tired more quickly.
Offices that have windows and areas that let in natural light are good for workers’ health, not to mention the fact that they are wise choices in terms of making spaces feel more open and comfortable. Working at a desk does not have to make you feel miserable in the long run. Letting light in can be very beneficial, not only body-wise but also work-wise. Here are some ways natural lighting at an office or a workspace can help you.
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1. Better windows can be mood boosters.
Offices with windows that let natural light in better can help ease the stress and pressure that comes with working long hours at a desk. Sunlight has vitamin D, which triggers the part of our brain that releases serotonin, or our “calming” hormone. Serotonin helps a person keep their cool when faced with stressful situations and instantly boosts a person’s disposition. A lounge area with windows or a skylight can also be very relaxing for employees.
2. Sunlight helps improve productivity.
The serotonin the brain produces from being exposed to sunlight also helps sharpen focus and improves productivity. We all know one can’t work in an area that’s too bright, but warmer light from a window with a light shade pulled over it does more wonders for a worker than harsh fluorescent bulbs. It can also help keep the temperature in an office at a comfortable warmth, as low temperatures can be distracting. Natural light helps so much with the work process, so having more sources of natural light is wise.
3. Natural lighting can regulate your body clock.
The older a person becomes, the more difficult it gets for their eyes to process light. This ends up being a cause for sleep deprivation and causes stress levels to shoot up. Offices with good natural lighting help give the brain a little reset with the sun, as seeing sunlight and the eventual dimming of the sky can improve your sleep rhythm because you can see the day winding down as the shift ends. Think of it as something like a signal: light signals your brain to be more awake, and vice versa.
4. Better windows make for better eye health.
An office with windows that let in a good amount of sunlight can lessen the strain of having to look at screens for too long. Of course, the positioning and kinds of windows will come into play to avoid damaging office equipment and minimize glare on computer screens. However, professional glass companies can help solve this. Companies hire experts to install windows for commercial buildings. These windows are more specialized than typical residential windows, as they need to be more capable of insulating heat or reflecting harmful rays but letting light in at the same time.
5. It makes the office feel more welcoming.
An office will feel like the last place you will associate with the word “welcoming,” especially when it’s dingy and dark. Workplaces that have a more comfortable atmosphere can make people feel less stressed and cloistered. Windows that let the light in can lend an image of the space being more open and relaxed, which can help employees feel better. It also looks great when office floor photos for a website need to be taken.
Natural Lighting Is Good for Employees
A job comes with its own unique stresses, and an area that is well-lit can help minimize that. Working at an office with natural lighting and good windows can improve one’s mental state and help people function better. When things get too bright, the company can always use shades or blinds to control the amount of sun that comes in, and it won’t be too much of a problem. Compared with an office that lets in zero light except for the existing bulbs, wide windows offer a better alternative.
An office is not just a place where one goes to sit and work—it could also be a place that offers people opportunities to discover how to be better as a whole. You could realize that one setting that works for another might not necessarily work for you. At the end of the day, a place that uses natural lighting will always be good for anyone, and it’s vital that an office gets a good amount of sun. Both in aesthetics and function, workspaces that let natural light in are better.