Is your workplace (and its workspaces) bathed in natural light? Or is it a realm of artificial (often fluorescent) light, devoid of windows to the outside? (Can you even be sure it’s daytime out there?)
The Harvard Business Review published a survey that found that the biggest priority for office workers was better access to natural light in the workplace. Furthermore, The World Green Building Council reports that workers who are situated in natural light feel more engaged, more able to remain focused on their tasks, and more likely to collaborate effectively with others.
Enhancing the natural light in a workplace (or any other environment for that matter) can be a game-changer in terms of staff and client mood, morale, productivity, mental health, and physical wellbeing.
So, is it time to reconsider your office interior design, and perhaps undertake a re-fit to welcome some sunlight in?
Natural Light and the Body…
While our modern-day access to artificial light is profound, and even the darkest corners indoors can quickly and easily be illuminated, there is nothing like natural daylight – and this is something most of us take for granted.
We all understand the importance of getting the right amount of air, water, and food, but rarely consider our optimal exposure to sunlight…
Scientific research consistently demonstrates that exposure to the right amount of sunlight (including shaded or clouded natural daylight) that we are biologically wired for has a strong impact on our:
- energy levels
- mood
- motivation
- ability to learn, focus, and concentrate
- comfort
- mental and physical health
- sleep quality
Sunlight exposure Boosts Vitamin D and serotonin (“happiness hormone”) levels, and moderate UV exposure (in a “sun smart” way) can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
How many people can honestly say that indoor fluorescent light makes them feel good? While artificial lighting is a part of modern life and serves a very important purpose, a smart modern workplace will strive to incorporate natural light into its fit-out and design.
Modern Australians spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and the working day is also the time when natural light availability is at its peak. The solution has to be making natural light more available in offices and other indoor work environments.
The Benefits of Natural Light
- Improves sleep quality at night, overcomes the mid-afternoon “slump”, and limits the need for daytime naps
- Improves overall health and well-being = less sick leave
- Improves mood and level of happiness = calmer and more alert
- Drives motivation and inspiration
- Boosts productivity
- Enhances collaboration
- Increases engagement
- Improves job satisfaction
Moreover, natural light aesthetically improves indoor spaces, making them look and feel more open and welcoming. It also helps reduce utility bills both for lighting and, in winter, heating.
Tips for Your Office Fit-Out
- Embrace the availability of windows to the outside to let sunlight in. If the actual view is unpleasant, consider translucent glass or window shades for an aesthetically pleasing effect.
- If you are installing office partitioning, go for glass partitions where appropriate (and as it suits in terms of privacy requirements). This helps open up a larger space and admit natural light from outside as much as possible.
- Skylights can be a fantastic option for letting in natural light, especially in darker buildings or those where windows are not available.
- Reconfigure desk and work pod layouts to exploit available natural light. Consider morning versus afternoon light exposure and how spaces can be arranged overall.
- Encourage staff to take outdoor breaks.
Sydney’s Best Office Interior Designers
Maximise natural light, enhance productivity, and improve the mood in your corporate environment with a new office fit-out and the savvy expertise of the best “office interior designers near me” from Sydney City to Parramatta and Penrith.
Contact CMLS Commercial Interiors today to chat about your project vision and explore how we can bring it to life for you and make your workplace more healthy, welcoming, and ultimately more profitable.