Lighting plays a major role in human life. Thousands of years of evolution have led to plants, animals, and humans to follow a sleep and wake cycle called a circadian rhythm. These built-in clocks are awakened by light and dark and play a huge role in an individual’s quality of life.

Proper lighting in offices and industrial settings like warehouses is vital to sustaining profitability. A comprehensive study by the office supply giant, Staples, found that when employers provide adjustable lighting it maximizes employee productivity.

The same study concluded that bespoke lighting in the workplace under the control of those affected by the changeable illumination was happier and more productive doing their jobs. Alternatively, improper lighting can cause headaches, lethargy, migraines, nausea, and eyestrain which all affect the employee’s ability to do their job.

Lighting isn’t just about providing enough to see by. According to experts who estimate that visual input  accounts for 85 percent of all processed information

These aspects directly impact how well employees work and which customers will revisit a business.

But proper lighting doesn’t simply benefit an individual’s health, it improves creativity, work quality, and productivity. Investing in tailored lighting means a decrease in employer liability (due to fewer accidents), lower energy costs, and less waste of materials and products.

No. 1. Health & Wellness Benefits

Health issues associated with inferior lighting include eyestrain, headache, neck and back pains, depression, and impaired productivity.

While appropriate lighting in the workplace offers perks for both employer and employee.

A study conducted by London City University and the tech giant, Philips, came together to explore the connection between well-being, work performance, and lighting. Professor Jo Silvester and Dr. Efrosyni Konstantinou found evidence that lighting alone doesn’t drastically impact an employee’s performance, but it contributes to many factors that combine to create healthy work environments.

Yet, there is a link between lighting details at work, shift work, and health conditions. The study found that workers with the ability to control their lighting to meet their specific needs increased worker satisfaction and kept valuable employees retained at the company. The study conducted by Staples agreed with London City University’s findings concluding that 68 percent of workers feel more appreciated by their employer if they were considerate about employee health and imbued with fitted lighting.

Many companies throughout a myriad of industries are thoughtfully investing in the happiness and well-being of the people they employ. As the state of the workplace evolves, it is no secret that the best employers tend to reap generous profits.

No. 2 Reduces Workplace Accidents and Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines about what is adequate lighting for different shifts, environments, and working populations. While these guidelines offer a minimum level of care for employees it doesn’t take into account all of the variables facing workers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found in January of 2018 that 4.2 million employees missed work due to illness or injury. Lighting is key to workplace safety. By investing in suitable conditions, business owners reduce their liability when it comes to legal repercussions and insurance costs. Good lighting helps workers meet safety guidelines, product details, and hazard warnings.

FSG helps businesses to design, install, and troubleshoot logistics to help them protect their bottom line and supports employers across the United States. The Facility Solutions Group discusses the lighting needs for a variety of industries. FSG specializes in designing, installing, and troubleshooting logistics when it comes to setting up a professional facility. FSG has found that businesses that invest in appropriate environmental technology help organizations scale and grow while fostering a sense of well-being for their employees.

 

In 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported 5250 fatal work injuries. The National Census reported 5147 of these deaths were due to unsafe working conditions. A percentage of these accidents are due to improper lighting, but the problem isn’t just about a lack of light.

There are lots of factors that contribute to lighting issues in the workplace, like color temperature variations, the presence or absence of natural light, glare, uniformity, and flicker. Businesses who account for each of these variables experience fewer accidents and consequently, fewer workplace accidents.

No. 3 Reduces Electricity Consumption

Upgrading lighting saves money. Energy is a major cost for most industrial endeavors and office settings. The cost of energy is rising across the nation and the impact of energy-hogging infrastructure on the environment is catastrophic. Consumers are catching on, too, more and more people are choosing to support businesses that choose greener options.

Bespoke lighting can lower utility expenses by half if eco-friendly fixtures and bulbs are chosen versus the   standard fluorescent bulbs that cause visual discomfort and are costly to responsibly dispose of. LED and CFL lighting reduce air conditioning costs because produce 50 to 90 percent less heat than traditional bulbs. Old school options like halogen floodlights (PAR and MR bulb) produce substantial heat forcing the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. While CFL, CCFL (cold cathode), and LEDs use less electricity and produce minimal heat.

No. 4 Improves Work Quality

Most people who have been in a workplace has experienced discomfort due to environmental variables like poor ventilation or inadequate lighting. These factors make it difficult to concentrate on tasks. Evidence is piling up to show businesses caring for workers to see more rewards in their bottom line.

The ‘Lighting, Well-Being, and Performance at Work’ study conducted by London City University found a link between lighting conditions at work and biological health conditions while also proving that employee managed lighting which is tailored to employees leads to a step up in performance, concentration, and employee retention.

No. 5 Cost-Effective and Easy Disposal

The EPA requires light bulbs and ballasts to be properly disposed of- which means the custodial crew can’t simply dump these bulbs in the trash. Metal halide, fluorescent, and high-pressure or sodium and mercury vapor bulbs cannot be put into the garbage.

Businesses must transport these fragile items to an appropriate facility which raises costs due to the extra steps in responsible disposal.  In contrast, most eco-friendly lighting can be recycled.