Workplace lighting - what you need to consider

Ergonomic workplace lighting - what is it anyway?

So-called ergonomic workplace lighting means optimally adapted lighting that also takes into account the resilience of the human body. In the case of lighting, of course, this mainly affects our eyes, which can have a negative impact on our health if we work for too long under the wrong lighting conditions. Optimal workplace lighting is made up of four areas: Direct and indirect lighting, daylight and the task light itself.

Component 1: The influence of natural daylight in the workplace

When choosing an office or home office space, a room with a window and therefore natural daylight should always be used if possible - this is a top priority. It not only ensures the absorption of vitamin D and thus lifts our mood, but naturally also has an effect on our well-being. Only those who ultimately find their workplace pleasant will be motivated and enjoy their work.

When positioning the desk, make sure that it is at the side of the window and that the light is not coming from behind or in front. Otherwise the daylight could interfere with the screen or dazzle you directly. It is also important to avoid too much direct sunlight, as this could be too harsh for the eyes and dazzling. Simple glare protection on the window is recommended here.

Daylight plays a very important role overall in workplace lighting, but cannot remain the only component as it changes due to weather conditions and the time of day and season. For this reason, ergonomic workplace lighting consists of three further areas.

Component 2: Desk lamp for individual light adjustment

Ergonomic workplace lighting is then completed with a classic desk lamp for targeted lighting of documents or similar. Depending on the intended use and activity, it is important to pay attention to the adjustment options, as there are many different versions, from very simple to fully adjustable and rotatable work lamps. It is also important to position these correctly in the home office or in the office, whereby you should place your desk lamp on the right if you are left-handed and on the left if you are right-handed - in this way you avoid a disturbing cast shadow.

For direct desk lighting, it is advisable to use universal white light with 3,300 to 5,300 Kelvin or a daylight white light color. between 5,300 and 6,400 Kelvin. These two color temperatures prevent symptoms of fatigue at the workplace and have a more sober and objective effect. In addition to the color, the brightness of a desk lamp for workplace lighting should also be taken into account, with 400 to 500 lumens as a guideline.

Component 3: Direct workplace lighting

Direct lighting from the ceiling is essential for sufficient basic brightness. Depending on the size of the room, several ceiling lamps are usually required to meet the requirements for ergonomic workplace lighting with sufficient illuminance. LED spotlights, cable or track systems, fluorescent tubes or classic ceiling lamps can be used here.

A suitable level of brightness for healthy young workers can be achieved with lamps with 500 lux, whereas slightly older people with weakened eyes tend to require a lux level of 750 to 1500 lux at the workplace. However, a more precise distinction can be made depending on the activity: 500 to 750 lux for reading or writing and even 1,000 to 2,000 lux for very fine work such as technical drawing.

To achieve these lux figures for sufficient brightness at the workplace, you should use an additional direct light source in addition to the indirect and direct general lighting. This light should then focus directly on the desk area and can be a wall lamp or floor lamp, for example. When positioning it, you should again ensure that there is no glare by installing it to the side of the desk.

Component 4: High proportion of indirect light

In principle, a mix of direct and indirect light should be used for general lighting in the room. Indirect lighting at the workplace has the advantage of being glare-free, as it is reflected by ceilings or walls and does not shine directly into the room. Wall luminaires, ceiling washlights or pendant luminaires with shades can be used for this purpose.

In this way, both physiological glare and psychological glare can be prevented. The former refers to the actual reduction in visual function caused by looking directly into a light source. Psychological glare, on the other hand, is the subjective feeling of disturbance, which also interferes with work in the office and home office.

Checklist for workplace lighting - are the ergonomics right?

We have put together a brief overview for you here to finally check whether you have actually taken everything into account when planning or redesigning your workplace lighting:

• Is there enough daylight and are the desks aligned to the side of the window?
• Is the general lighting supported by additional workplace lighting?
• Is there a good balance between direct and indirect lighting?
• Is both the artificial light at the workplace and the daylight glare-free?
• Is the light color appropriate and not too cold? still too warm?
• Is the illuminance bright enough for the activity in question?
• Is the desk lamp positioned correctly?

To help you find the right lights for your workplace quickly and easily, click here for our skapetze® Office lighting. Have fun shopping! If you have any questions, please contact our customer service.