Lighting the Way for 2010!

Is your office environment looking a little dim in places?  Have you computer monitors taken on roles as part-time desk lamps?  Adequate lighting in offices is a major issue and the subject of ‘glare’ is becoming an increasing problem. 

In most businesses, working with computers is essential.  This dominance of computers in the workplace has lead to a decrease in the amount of luminance within the workplace, as monitors give off a lot of light.  Back when ‘technology’ meant typewriters, pens and pencils – there was a need for adequate office lighting because nothing would ever be achieved.   Having said this, monitors and the information they display are much clearer without bright light thrust upon them.  If excess light in the office is present, it impacts the way we work – increasing glare.  

So why have we let this slip?  Why do many of our offices continue to still have lights that aren’t working, whose bulbs need replacing and overhead lighting is found in places unsuitable for desk location?  And what about glare?  Is this really a problem that needs to be addressed?  There are simple ways to fix these.    

The first thing we must do is take a good, hard look at our offices.  If lights aren’t working, find out why.  If you’re looking to reduce the amount of energy, investigate the possibility of installing energy saving globes.  Blinds are also another factor for consideration.  There is nothing better than receiving a little natural light.  If you do work in an office with windows, make sure you make use of natural light – it will liven your employee’s spirits and save you money on electricity costs.  Be careful how much light you do let in, as this can contribute to glare. 

Controlling glare and harsh reflections is a bigger issue. Excessive glare can create strain among employee’s eyes and can create general discomfort whilst working.  Have a look at the light sources around your computers, as these may be contributing to the ‘glare factor’ as light devices quite often reflect off monitors.   Lucky for us, there are ways we can reduce the amount of glare in our office and still achieve adequate light where required.  

When doing a lighting ‘re-shuffle’, make sure you focus on these parameters: 

• Reducing the intensity of the source
• Reducing the size of the source
• Move the source away from employee’s line of sight

Below are a few tips to get the ball rolling in your office.  

• Ensure control of light that enters the office building by making sure windows have coverings such as venetian blinds or drapes.  Another good to note here is that blinds will reduce the amount of heat entering through the window, providing lesser need for cooling appliances. 
• Tilt the computer monitor slightly downward to reduce reflection from overhead lights 
• Position desks/computer workstations between rows of overhead lights to reduce the impact of direct light entering employee’s line of sight. 
• Position desks/computer workstations at right angles to the windows so employees don’t either have their back to the light or facing it. 

Of course, a bit of experimentation might be required when moving things around, as each person has different comfort levels and preferences.