In the modern working world, where the majority of our time is spent behind desks and in front of screens, the issue of optimal lighting in the office is becoming increasingly important. Lighting quality in the workplace is not just a question of visual comfort; it is a key factor that has a profound effect on our health, well-being and performance. The right lighting can help to reduce feelings of fatigue, boost mood and sharpen concentration. 

Finding the balance between natural daylight and artificial lighting is a challenging but crucial task. It is about creating an environment that is not only functional and ergonomic, but also a source of mental and physical well-being and inspiration. The research¹ shows that well-designed lighting has the potential to support our internal clock, improve our mood and even enhance our cognitive function. With this in mind, it is essential to go beyond simple brightness standards and consider lighting as a central element of workplace design that is capable of significantly influencing the quality of life and productivity of employees.

Legal requirements for workplace lighting

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) lays the foundation for a healthy and safe working environment, including lighting. It obliges employers to provide lighting that not only ensures visual comfort, but also supports the general well-being of employees.

The German Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV), particularly in conjunction with the Technical Rules for Workplaces "Lighting and visual connections" (ASR A3.4), specifies these requirements. It stipulates that workplaces must be illuminated in such a way that the health and safety of employees is not impaired. The regulations cover not only the minimum illuminance, which varies depending on the field of activity, but also protection against glare and the adaptation of lighting to individual visual tasks.

The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) also provides guidelines on lighting in the workplace, which aim to create optimum visual conditions while promoting health and safety in the workplace.

But how much lux is actually needed? According to ASR A3.4, office workstations, for example, should be illuminated with at least 500 lux². must be illuminated to ensure adequate visibility and the associated work safety. For more precise work or activities that require greater visual acuity, the lux value can be correspondingly higher.

To ensure compliance with these requirements and at the same time create a pleasant working environment, it is essential for employers to carefully plan and implement the lighting. This includes choosing the right light sources, arranging the lighting fixtures to minimise shadows and glare, and taking natural light into account to ensure energy-efficient and ergonomic lighting.

Daylight: the natural energy booster

Daylight is far more than just a source of light; it is a vital aspect of our working environment that has profound effects on our health and productivity. Exposure to natural light during the working day not only promotes the production of vitamin D, but also has positive effects on our mood and can reduce seasonal low moods and even mild depression. Natural light also helps to minimise the risk of eye strain often associated with long hours in front of a screen.

To maximise the benefits of daylight without experiencing the unpleasant glare, workstations should be set up as close to windows as possible. It is important that the windows are large enough to allow a significant amount of light in and that they are positioned so that they distribute the light evenly throughout the room. Adjustable blinds, roller blinds or pleated blinds can help to regulate light intensity as required and avoid direct glare, creating a more pleasant working environment.

The role of the circadian rhythm

Our circadian rhythm - our internal clock - controls a variety of biological processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, hormone secretion and body temperature. Natural light is a crucial factor that regulates this rhythm. It influences the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep at night, and serotonin, which boosts our mood and alertness during the day.

Workplaces that are provided with sufficient daylight not only support better regulation of the circadian rhythm, but can also improve the general quality of sleep. This leads to increased alertness, better mood and improved performance at work. To maximise this effect, it is advisable to take breaks outside to be exposed to direct sunlight, especially in the morning hours.

Artificial light: both a blessing and a curse

Whilst artificial light offers us incredible flexibility, allowing us to work effectively regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, it also brings with it some challenges. In particular, LED lights, which are known for their high blue light content, can disrupt our natural circadian rhythm. This can lead to a variety of problems, including

• Eye strain: Long hours in front of screens can strain the eyes and lead to dryness.
• Headaches: Incorrectly adjusted lighting can favour headaches and migraine attacks.
• Tiredness: Disturbances in the sleep-wake rhythm can lead to a constant feeling of exhaustion.
• Long-term health risks: There is evidence that long-term exposure to artificial light, especially blue light, can increase the risk of serious health problems such as certain types of cancer.

Practical tips for better office lighting

To counteract these negative effects, it is crucial to choose lighting solutions that offer a spectrum that comes as close as possible to natural daylight. Modern LED luminaires with adjustable colour temperatures and intensities open up the possibility of adjusting the light according to the time of day and individual needs, which helps to create a healthy working environment. In addition, careful planning of the lighting arrangement is essential to ensure even light distribution without harsh shadows or glare. This not only promotes a comfortable working environment, but also a more productive one.