Mexico. Construlita explains through its experts why through the correct lighting it is possible to avoid the main physical discomforts in the office, such as headaches, stress and exhaustion and in the process achieve greater productivity for your company.
Each individual is sensitive to light in different ways due to genetic conditions, diseases or age, so it has been necessary to develop valid parameters for specific spaces in order to ensure safety and efficacy when it comes to developing in our work activities. These parameters are indispensable minimum criteria that are measurable through the lux unit.
Currently, there are already several studies that have determined the importance of lighting in workspaces and offices. Research conducted by Cornell University estimated that productivity can go up by up to 5% with proper lighting, while the American Society of Interior Designers revealed that 68% of office workers have experienced discomfort in the work area from incorrect lighting.
The main objective of lighting in workspaces is to support the employee to carry out their daily activities easily and simply, if on the contrary, lighting makes it difficult, the health and productivity of the worker can be affected.
Things to consider when choosing the right lighting for the office
- The main thing is to define the activities to be carried out in the area, the time required by each activity, visual difficulty of the task and the average age of the workers. With this information the interior designer will be able to properly understand the needs and will be able to determine the necessary light.
- The use of natural light through windows, doors and skylights is important, but this light cannot be the main source of lighting, since the sun's rays should not reach the work surface directly as they generate glare and increase in the temperature of the environment.
- It is not recommended to use incandescent lamps since they generate heat, nor are fluorescent lamps ideal because they directly emit ultraviolet rays that affect health. LED lamps are the best choice for lighting offices.
- The lighting should be white because it increases concentration and productivity, the light of warm colors tends to relax the workers.
- Ceiling lamps must be located on the sides of the workstation so that the light they emit is parallel to the computer screen.
- For meeting rooms, indirect light is necessary, especially if the use of the projector is frequent. In addition, in this space personalizing the light is important to create a more pleasant and natural environment.
A good design will help to consolidate the lighting system with the visual and psychological needs of the employees, obtaining as a result an increase in productivity and a better mood of the collaborators.
Standards for lighting
The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico establishes lighting conditions in the workplace, which seek to create a safe and healthy space. There are three parameters that together establish the minimum conditions for the use of light: visual tasks, work areas and lighting levels.
There are other regulations that establish their own values to consider whether a space is adequately lit or not, but in general the elements are similar since the primordial aspects in lighting are basic in any situation.
