Let there be LIGHT
The Importance of Natural Light in Offices for Employee Health and Wellbeing
In contemporary office design, the integration of natural light has emerged as a key factor in promoting employee health, wellbeing, and productivity. Beyond mere aesthetics, daylight in the workplace is linked to numerous physiological and psychological benefits. As organizations increasingly prioritize wellness-oriented design, evidence underscores the importance of thoughtful daylight management strategies, including window access, glare control, and circadian lighting, to foster healthier and more engaging work environments.
Studio Shamshiri
Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Natural Light
Natural light plays a critical role in regulating the human circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that influences sleep-wake cycles, hormonal secretion, and overall mood. Exposure to daylight during working hours can significantly enhance alertness and cognitive performance while reducing stress and fatigue. A study by Boubekri et al. (2014) found that office workers with windows in their workplace received 173% more white light exposure and slept an average of 46 minutes more per night than those without windows—highlighting the deep connection between daylight and sleep quality..
Additionally, a lack of natural light can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), decreased vitamin D synthesis, and general declines in mental health. Therefore, incorporating access to daylight becomes a matter not just of comfort, but of occupational health.
Productivity and Satisfaction
Natural light doesn't only affect physical health, it also has tangible impacts on workplace satisfaction and performance. Research by the World Green Building Council (2014) indicates that access to daylight and views can lead to up to an 18% increase in productivity. Employees working in well-lit environments report higher job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and greater engagement.
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Proximity to Windows
Window proximity is a critical design factor. Employees situated closer to windows typically report better mood and visual comfort. According to the WELL Building Standard ensuring equitable access to daylight is essential. It recommends that at least 55% of the floor area in regularly occupied spaces be within 7.5 meters (25 feet) of windows or skylights. This proximity allows daylight to permeate deeper into the floor plan, benefiting more occupants.
To maximize daylight penetration, designers often use open floor plans, glass partitions, and reflective interior surfaces. However, these must be balanced with concerns about glare and overheating, which can cause discomfort and reduce productivity if not managed effectively.
Managing Daylight: Glare Control and Light Quality
While natural light is beneficial, excessive brightness or glare can impair visual comfort. Effective daylight management involves:
Automated shading systems: These adjust blinds based on sun position and intensity.
Light shelves: Architectural elements that bounce light deeper into the space while shading occupants.
Glazing technology: Use of low-E glass and dynamic glazing systems can regulate solar heat gain and glare.
Interior design: Reflective surfaces and strategic use of color can diffuse light more evenly.
Circadian Lighting Design
In spaces where natural light is insufficient or inconsistent, circadian lighting systems are a valuable supplement. These artificial lighting systems mimic the changing colour temperature and intensity of daylight throughout the day to support the body’s natural rhythms. Studies have shown that lighting tuned to the circadian cycle can improve alertness, mood, and even metabolic health.
The WELL Building Standard emphasizes circadian lighting design under its "Light" concept. It introduces metrics such as Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) to evaluate lighting effectiveness in supporting circadian health. WELL recommends a minimum of 250 EML at the eye level for at least four hours during the day for regularly occupied spaces.
Steinkjer Kulturhus. Photo Credit: Gatis Rozenfelds
Incorporating natural light into office environments is not merely a design preference; it is a cornerstone of workplace wellness. From improving sleep and mood to enhancing productivity and job satisfaction, daylight access offers multifaceted benefits. Employers and designers aiming to create high-performing, health-promoting spaces must consider not only the quantity of natural light but also its quality, distribution, and alignment with human biological needs.
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Boubekri, M., Cheung, I. N., Reid, K. J., Wang, C. H., & Zee, P. C. (2014). Impact of windows and daylight exposure on overall health and sleep quality of office workers
World Green Building Council. (2014). Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Offices: The Next Chapter for Green Building.
International WELL Building Institute. (2023). WELL Building Standard v2.
Lucas, R. J., Peirson, S. N., Berson, D. M., et al. (2014). Measuring and using light in the melanopsin age.
