Importance of Proper Office Lighting in UAE: Enhancing Productivity and Well-being
In today’s fast growing world, the need and importance of office lighting in UAE can not be negligible. Too much lighting can create stress, headache, fatigue that can create hurdles for employees to work well. Dim lighting is also not suggestable as low lighting also makes it difficult to concentrate and focus. So, it is advisable to have a proper balance of light as it will directly proportional to employee productivity and well-being.
Understanding Different Types of Office Lighting: Pros and Cons
Today, having a proper knowledge of office lighting is the need of the hour! One should know the right amount of lighting for different areas such as office work, meeting area, lounge area to meet the desired need of individuals directly related to these areas. In this blog, we discuss the different types of Office Lighting in UAE and its pros and cons have been discussed in detail.
Things to consider when choosing Office Lighting in UAE
Ever wondered why it is recommended to sit for at least 15 minutes of daily sunlight? This is because it impacts our health by improving sleep and is also a very good source of vitamin D which is hardly taken from any source other than sunlight. On the other hand, besides its health benefits, it also reduces stress and is highly beneficial for our moods.
Now picture yourself sitting for a continuous 8 hours in a dim light. It’s a sad and worse experience to imagine.
Good and right amount of lighting is a crucial aspect for space, especially for office environments. To help you in choosing the right amount of light, we’ve put together some aspects that you should consider while making a decision.
Light intensity
It is an important factor in office settings to consider the light intensity, that is how bright the light is. An area with too much brightness can cause fatigue and eye strain. However, if a space with too dim lighting can make it difficult to see and concentrate.
The amount of light present in a space is measured in lux (lx). It is important to choose the right light fixtures that provide sufficient light for the office space.
In addition to this, the amount of light falling on a surface is also an important factor to consider. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 500-750 lx for general office tasks, while 750-1000 lx for tasks that require more concentration.
Light colour and temperature
The colour temperature, also known as the colour of the light. It is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and it refers to the coolness or warmth of the light.
- Warm white light: The colour temperature of 2700-3000K, has a yellowish hue. It is great for creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The warm white lighting is perfect for relaxation and socializing areas such as pantry, break rooms or lounge/lunch areas. To create a more relaxed environment, it can also be used in meeting areas or conference rooms.
- Cool white light: A colour temperature of 3500-4100K has a bluish hue. It is best for tasks that require concentration. This lighting type is great for working areas such as desks or office spaces or the task areas where people need lots of focus.
Fluorescent vs. LED lights
Whether you choose fluorescent or LED lighting, you must know that it will have a significant impact on its lighting quality. Over the past few years, a disapproval has been seen on fluorescent lighting. We will discuss the negative effects of this lighting in detail
Fluorescent light bulbs are safe as long as they remain intact. However, this type of lighting becomes toxic when it breaks in the office due to the harmful compounds such as mercury and phosphorus it contains. On the other hand, the lifespan of fluorescent lights has a short lifespan and it requires frequent changes when it is constantly turned on and off.
In addition to this, it also emits ultraviolet light which can cause skin cancer, skin damage, eye damage and immune system suppression. As per the study, eight hours sitting under fluorescent lights is equivalent to an hour in the sun. The brightness level is hazardous to employees, causing lack of focus and health issues.
In comparison to this, LED lighting is more environmentally friendly. It is proved to be more energy-efficient especially for commercial spaces where lighting intensity affects productivity levels.
One of the major advantages of LED lighting is that it outlasts fluorescent lighting as LED bulbs convert 95% of energy into light, while only 5% is wasted as heat. It makes them an ideal choice for commercial spaces.
Task specific lighting
At some moments, general light of an office such as LED or fluorescent lighting is not sufficient. So often, in this case task specific lighting is recommended. This type of lighting can be adjustable and can regulate as they see fit in the form of a desk lamp.
The individuals engaged in the healthcare industry or are preparing a private clinic will need a surgical light that can help them to properly execute procedures.
How to Choose the Right Lighting Fixtures for Your Office Space
The right lighting amount for an office depends on the area and space of work. A ratio of 1:3:10 between the ceiling, walls and task area is a rule of thumb that needs to be followed in offices. If the work area in an office has 500 lx, the walls should have an average of 150 lx and the ceiling should have at least 50 lx.
Additionally, a colour white light with a colour temperature of 3500-4100K and has a bluish hue is considered to be the best for an office atmosphere where focus and concentration is needed. However, LED lights are also one of the best options for the office due to its many advantages.
Tips for Designing Office Lighting Layouts for Maximum Efficiency
Here’s a list of Office Lighting in UAE designs that need to be considered before designing office lighting layouts.
- It is essential to review the placement and type of every light fixture.
- According to the lighting function, make sure that all areas have adequate lighting
- Confirm that the controls are conveniently accessible and located
- Plan must accommodate future flexibility and potential adjustments.
- Ensure that all office rooms have both ambient and task lighting as needed.
- Make sure that light fixtures are correctly positioned to avoid shadows and glare
- Energy-efficient bulbs or LEDs are chosen for each fixture.
- Confirm the availability of smart lighting controls where it is needed
- Verify to not provide any lighting where there is already have enough natural lighting
- Ensure that the light switches and dimmers are placed logically throughout the office.
- The lighting plan must have been reviewed by a professional electrician.
Natural Light vs. Artificial Light: Striking the Right Balance in the Office
Both types of office lighting in UAE can work best depending on the situation. But natural light has given preference due to the number of factors that are cost and energy effective and have several health benefits. But still it depends on the nature, intensity of work and the need of the right amount of light in that area.
If the work area has dim artificial light or no natural light, then it is advisable not to put yourself in stress and get yourself with proper lighting. It is essential to have the right amount of light or else you will face distractions that may lead to poor quality and decrease productivity.
The Role of Lighting in Creating a Positive Work Environment
Office lighting plays a crucial role in the overall office environment. Through this, offices can achieve a cost and energy effective decision. It helps to enhance a positive work environment that increases job satisfaction and productivity level of employees that will benefit the company as a whole.
Energy-Efficient Lighting Solutions for Offices: Benefits and Implementation Strategies
Opting for an energy efficient lighting solution is one of the key preferences of offices that are operating on a large scale. It is advisable to spend a little more upfront to make big savings in the long run. Nowadays, it’s easy to save energy in offices with lighting. Most offices have been using energy-efficient T5 fluorescent lighting for so many years. But due to the efficiency of LED lighting, they are replacing fluorescent lights in offices. On the other hand, offices nowadays are giving preference to lighting controls and it considered to be the best office lighting in UAE nowadays
- The smart lighting controls are more sophisticated and easier to use. By the end of the day, it helps offices to create a positive atmosphere while making significant savings on energy.
- It gives workers more control over their light and increased job satisfaction. It helps in preventing light from being wasted in areas.
- Many systems are working wireless which make it easy for staff to control them from handheld controllers or mobile devices.
Common Office Lighting Problems and How to Fix Them
Poor lighting at workplace can cause several problems that are
- Eye-strain
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Stress and
- Accidents.
Similarly, too much light is also harmful that can cause safety and health problems such as stress, glare and headaches. Both conditions can risk a number of factors that lead to poor quality, mistakes at work, and low productivity.
Incorporating Smart Lighting Technologies for Modern Office Spaces
Nowadays, for modern office spaces smart lighting has become a game changer due to its functionality and ease of use. Offices often require a work space that increases productivity and at the same time energy efficiency.
The smart lighting controls for modern office lighting are more sophisticated and easier to use. By the end of the day, it helps offices to create a positive atmosphere while making significant savings on energy. Additionally, giving workers more control over their light has increased job satisfaction. Not only it helps in preventing light from being wasted in areas such as near windows, but also in places that are not always in use, such as meeting rooms, corridors and toilets. Many systems are working wireless which make it easy for staff to control them from handheld controllers or mobile devices.
Office Lighting in UAE Trends: What’s New and What’s Effective
When it comes to office lighting, employers always want to make a sound decision that not only impacts the environment positively and increases workers productivity in the same way.
Saving energy is one of the key ways that can add value for office owners. It is wiser to spend a little more upfront to make big savings in the long run. It’s easier now to save energy in offices with lighting. For years, most offices have been using energy-efficient T5 fluorescent lighting, so LED lighting has been slower to catch on in offices. But due to the efficiency of LED lighting, they are replacing fluorescent lights in offices. On the other hand, offices nowadays are giving preference to lighting controls and it considered to be the best office lighting nowadays
The smart lighting controls are more sophisticated and easier to use. By the end of the day, it helps offices to create a positive atmosphere while making significant savings on energy.
Additionally, giving workers more control over their light has increased job satisfaction. Not only does it helps in preventing light from being wasted in areas such as near windows, but also in places that are not always in use, such as meeting rooms, corridors and toilets. Many systems are working wireless which make it easy for staff to control them from handheld controllers or mobile devices.
What kind of lighting is best for an office?
A colour white light with a colour temperature of 3500-4100K and has a bluish hue is considered to be the best for an office atmosphere where focus and concentration is needed. However, LED lights are also one of the best options for commercial office lighting due to its many advantages.
What is the standard for office lighting?
A ratio of 1:3:10 between the ceiling, walls and task area is a rule of thumb that needs to be followed in offices. If the work area in an office has 500 lx, the walls should have an average of 150 lx and the ceiling should have at least 50 lx.
What is the most common Office Lighting in UAE?
Fluorescent or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are most commonly used in most office environments. Both are considered to be the best option. Fluorescent bulbs are the older technology, but LED bulbs have several advantages over the fluorescent lightings such as environmental friendly and energy efficient
What are lights in offices called?
The three main types of office indoor lighting are
- Incandescent
- Fluorescent/compact fluorescent (CFL) and
- LED.
How can LLA Designers help you for your office interior needs?
Right amount of office lighting is essential as it affects a number of factors such as, it increases employee productivity which provides him/her job satisfaction, in the meantime it saves cost and energy for organizations as well. For these important factors, employers always want to make a sound decision that not only impacts the environment positively and increases workers productivity in the same way.
If you want to get help in choosing the right office lighting with layout design for your office? Connect with LLA Designers! We are just a message away.
