Proper lighting plays a key role in employee efficiency, morale, and creativity. In fact, improper lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, loss of concentration, and even depression. On the other hand, systematic and purposeful lighting, while improving the well-being and comfort of employees, also helps to make the workplace beautiful and pleasing to the eye. For this reason, it is important that the lighting of the workplace is done correctly and in accordance with the necessary standards.
In this article from EDC, we will comprehensively review the principles of office lighting and guide you step by step on the path to creating a bright, productive, and pleasant space.

Why is office lighting important?

The purpose of office and office lighting is not simply to illuminate the space. The following are some of the reasons why workplace lighting is important:

1. Help improve employee health with proper workplace lighting

Improper lighting in office and work spaces can lead to eye strain, headaches, loss of concentration, and even depression. In contrast, proper lighting that is in line with human physiological needs helps maintain eye health, boost energy levels, and increase employee happiness.

2. Don’t ignore the impact of lighting on increasing employee productivity

Studies have shown that proper lighting can affect employee productivity by up to 25 percent. Adequate and appropriate lighting helps employees perform their tasks with more accuracy and focus and prevents errors and mistakes.

3. Workplace lighting helps improve employee morale

Lighting can have a profound effect on people’s morale and mood. Warm, soft lights create a relaxing and intimate atmosphere and help increase employee morale and motivation. In contrast, cold, harsh lights can create a depressing and stressful atmosphere and have a negative impact on people’s morale.

4. Increase the sense of security in employees with proper lighting

Adequate lighting, especially in dark spaces and corners, increases the sense of security in employees and prevents anxiety and fear. This is especially important for employees who work night shifts.

5. Don’t overlook the effect of proper lighting on promoting branding

Lighting that is in line with brand identity can help introduce and strengthen your brand among customers and partners. Using the logo and brand colors in lighting will also help create a sense of identity and belonging in employees and customers.

Effects of lighting in office decoration

Lighting plays a key role in office decoration and can help with the following:

Using appropriate lighting can make small spaces appear larger and more spacious. This is done using various techniques such as accent lighting, ambient lighting and task lighting.
Lighting can be used to separate different office spaces from each other and give each section a distinct identity and function. This is applicable to spaces such as meeting rooms, break rooms and office and public areas.
Lighting can help highlight decorative elements such as paintings, sculptures and plants and enhance the visual effect of the space. This is done using accent lighting and creating contrast between light and dark.
Using warm and soft lights can create a warm and intimate atmosphere in the workplace. This is applicable to spaces such as lobbies, reception rooms and public areas of the office.
Using colorful and cheerful lights can create a dynamic and cheerful atmosphere in the workplace. This is applicable to spaces such as creative rooms, recreational areas and shared spaces.
With basic office lighting, the path of people’s movement can be illuminated and defined. This is applicable to spaces such as hallways, stairs and entrances.
Principles of office space lighting and the appropriate light for each section

Office space lighting should be based on three general principles:

General lighting: This type of lighting is used to illuminate the entire space and should be such that it eliminates annoying shadows.

Local lighting: This type of lighting is used to illuminate specific tasks such as reading, writing or working with a computer.

Decorative lighting: This type of lighting is used to beautify the space and create visual effects.

For better access, we have compiled the appropriate lights for different parts of the office space and office in the table below:

 

Different parts of the workplace	Suggested light type	Description
Corridors and staircases	Ceiling Lights (LED Recessed) LED Wall Lights	Uniform, shadow-free lighting to illuminate the path and prevent slipping
Desk	LED Table Lamps LED Pendant Lamps	Direct, glare-free light for reading and writing Creating a decorative space and providing localized lighting
Meeting room	Ceiling LED panels	Providing uniform, glare-free lighting Creating a formal and stylish space
Rest room	LED Indoor Wall Lights LED Lampshade Lights	Creating soft and relaxing light Creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere
Bathroom	Moisture-proof LED recessed ceiling lights Moisture-proof LED wall lights	Providing sufficient light without shadows
Kitchen	LED Under Cabinet Lights LED Ceiling Lights	Providing enough light for cooking and washing Creating a bright and pleasant space
Staff room	LED Table Lamps LED Pendant Lamps LED Ceiling Panels	Providing light Providing direct, non-reflective light for reading and writing Creating a decorative space and providing localized light Providing uniform, glare-free light for the entire room

Additional tips for office lighting
Use light sources with high CRI: CRI, or color rendering index, indicates the quality of light and its naturalness. For lighting the work environment, use light sources with a CRI of at least 80.
Avoid direct light shining into people’s eyes and use light sources with a suitable diffuser.
Use dimmers, multi-mode switches, and smart systems to adjust the intensity and color of light.
Learning to design appropriate lighting for the office

To design appropriate lighting for office environments, you should follow the following steps:

1. Identify your needs

The first step in lighting design is to identify your needs. Answer the following questions to accurately identify your needs:

What types of activities are performed in this office? (studying, working with a computer, holding meetings, designing, etc.)
How many people work in this office?
What are the working hours in this office? (Morning shift, evening shift, night shift, etc.)
Do you need special lighting in this office (such as lighting for plants, lighting for signs, etc.)?
Is a video projector or whiteboard used in this office?
2. Area and dimensions of the space

The exact area and dimensions of the space are essential for calculating the amount of lighting needed and selecting the number and type of lights.

3. Type of activities performed in each space

The type of activities performed in each part of the office affects the amount of lighting required for that part. In general, these guidelines can be used:

Public areas: such as the lobby, hallways, and reception, require bright, uniform lighting with an intensity of 200 to 300 lux.

Workplaces: such as desks, require general and localized lighting with an intensity of 500 to 750 lux.
Conference rooms: require general and task lighting with an intensity of 300 to 500 lux.
Breakout areas: require soft, relaxing lighting with an intensity of 100 to 200 lux.
4. Identify natural light sources

Additional tips for office lighting
Use light sources with high CRI: CRI, or color rendering index, indicates the quality of light and its naturalness. For lighting the work environment, use light sources with a CRI of at least 80.
Avoid direct light shining into people’s eyes and use light sources with a suitable diffuser.
Use dimmers, multi-mode switches, and smart systems to adjust the intensity and color of light.
Learning to design appropriate lighting for the office

To design appropriate lighting for office environments, you should follow the following steps:

1. Identify your needs

The first step in lighting design is to identify your needs. Answer the following questions to accurately identify your needs:

What types of activities are performed in this office? (studying, working with a computer, holding meetings, designing, etc.)
How many people work in this office?
What are the working hours in this office? (Morning shift, evening shift, night shift, etc.)
Do you need special lighting in this office (such as lighting for plants, lighting for signs, etc.)?
Is a video projector or whiteboard used in this office?
2. Area and dimensions of the space

The exact area and dimensions of the space are essential for calculating the amount of lighting needed and selecting the number and type of lights.

3. Type of activities performed in each space

The type of activities performed in each part of the office affects the amount of lighting required for that part. In general, these guidelines can be used:

Public areas: such as the lobby, hallways, and reception, require bright, uniform lighting with an intensity of 200 to 300 lux.

Workplaces: such as desks, require general and localized lighting with an intensity of 500 to 750 lux.
Conference rooms: require general and task lighting with an intensity of 300 to 500 lux.
Breakout areas: require soft, relaxing lighting with an intensity of 100 to 200 lux.
4. Identify natural light sources

Use natural sunlight as much as possible. Do not use thick and heavy curtains for windows and avoid arranging furniture and equipment in a way that blocks natural light.

5. Choosing the right type of lights

According to your needs, choose the right type of lights. (The right type of lights for each part of the work environment is stated in the table above)

6. Determining the number and location of lights

The number and location of lights should be such that sufficient and uniform light is provided in all parts of the space. For this, you can use lighting design software or get help from a lighting specialist. EDC provides you with design and calculation services completely free of charge. EDC specialists will help you easily choose the right type of light and the number of lights required, according to your space, budget, needs and taste.

Common mistakes in office lighting

Some common mistakes in office lighting include:

Not paying attention to natural light

Using the same type of light for all spaces

Using inappropriate lights

Not paying attention to the color temperature of light

Not paying attention to the level of brightness

Not using decorative lighting

Not using control systems

Not cleaning lights and not replacing burned-out bulbs

Summary

Principled lighting in office and work environments plays an important role in the morale and morale of employees. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to it as an important factor. To properly light the office, be sure to pay attention to the type of activity and use of the space, use high-quality lights with the right color. For example, using incandescent lamps with yellow and dazzling light can cause eye fatigue and headaches.

To purchase interior lighting products for office and work environments, you can visit the EDC website to obtain the necessary information about product specifications and prices. Providing high-quality products with a 30+30-month warranty, guaranteeing the health of the product, are some of the benefits of purchasing the EDC brand from reputable stores across the country.