If you are remodelling a business premises or choosing a new one, consider the fact that research shows natural light can have a dramatic effect on employee health.
Studies showed that office workers with more light exposure at the office slept longer and had a better quality of sleep, did more physical activity and overall had a better quality of life when compared with office workers whose exposure to light was lower.
This is significant research because healthier employees – both in body and mind – are more productive. Exposure to light also helps the body create vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin” – the lack of which has been linked to depression. So simple exposure to sunlight can help your staff be happier.
What does this mean for the workplace?
In an office environment it is important to have access to natural light wherever possible. If you are designing and building an office from scratch, consider the access to natural light your employees will have available. Similarly, if you are seeking the right building to buy or rent, make the availability of natural light a key consideration.
Making changes to your current office can be slightly more challenging, however a simple remedy to the problem is to ensure as many workstations as possible are close to a window. The advice from architects in to ensure desks are within 20 to 25 feet of walls containing windows, as access to daylight diminishes greatly beyond this point.
For help and advice when designing your office, contact Hannah Barnes Commercial Designs.