Lighting in office spaces have a negative impact on mental health, says study

The importance of light is pivotal. Ask any photographer! A photographer will tell you that a good light source can make or break a photograph. But lighting has an effect on our moods as well. Why else would candle-lit dinners be such a popular romantic cliché? Despite the importance ‘light’ carries in the day to day world, it is not given as much importance where it should be – the workplace.

Bad lighting (artificial lighting) is often associated with a range of ill-health effects, both physical and mental, such as eye strain, headaches, fatigue and also stress and anxiety in more high-pressured work environments. In fact, there is evidence that proves that the lack of natural light has an adverse effect on the body and the mind, and can result in conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

With the peak of the winter season, 40% of office workers say the lack of natural sunlight gives them a hard time at their workplaces.

The new research report by a United Kingdom-based company; Staples said that the lack of natural sunlight has an effect on productivity and well being as well. For the study, a survey of 7000 office workers was conducted in October last year. The survey participants were from 10 European countries; United Kingdom (2,000, with 302 in London), Germany (1,000), France (500), Netherlands (500), Sweden (500), Norway (500), Spain (500), Italy (500), Portugal (500) and Finland (500)

In conclusion, the report said that 80% of the respondents considered the presence of natural light important to them, 40% said the lack of it made them uncomfortable and 32% said better lighting would make them happier at work.

With an undeniable urge of strolling out in the open post-lunch that we get everyday, we can’t say we disagree with the results!