As we experience daylight savings time, people begin faces the challenges of it getting darker earlier and have a hard time adapting. The changes in daylight can have a negative effect on employees’ mood and sleep patterns, making it harder to focus and be productive at work. Businesses can help their employees adjust to the changes by using lighting control strategies that simulate light patterns to improve circadian rhythm and comfort in the office. Here are some ways lighting controls can help commercial properties manage the effects of daylight savings time.

1. Embrace Natural Light to Improve Circadian Rhythm

Natural light is essential for stimulating the body’s internal clock, also known as a circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm helps your body regulate its sleep patterns and when you get tired. By maximizing natural daylight whenever possible, it helps improve employees’ sleep patterns and create a healthier workplace. This can be done by positioning desks near windows and keeping blinds open whenever possible. By optimizing natural light throughout the day, employees experience a smoother transition into their work routines, supporting productivity and morale.

2. Use Color-Adjustable LEDs to Simulate Natural Light Cycles

Some workplaces may not have access to a lot of natural sunlight, one way to mimic natural lighting is through color-adjustable LEDs. The lighting can start out cooler in the morning, then adjust warmer as it gets to the late afternoon and evening. Having cooler morning lighting improves alertness for employees to make them more productive, then as the day winds down, the warmer lighting is more calming when they are heading home in the evening. This dynamic lighting approach keeps occupants energized and aligned with the natural light shifts that daylight savings disrupt.

3. Gradually Adjust Lighting Levels with Dimming Controls

Daylighting is a common lighting control strategy to simulate the sunlight indoors. Advanced lighting controls can automate lights to start out soft in early morning and slowly increase brightness as it reaches the afternoon, and slowly dimming them back down towards the evening. This can be particularly helpful on gloomy days or when it gets darker out earlier. In the evening, dimming the lights can foster a more relaxed environment and signal the end of the workday, helping employees adjust to changes in their light exposure brought on by daylight savings.

Conclusion

The transition caused by daylight savings can be challenging for commercial spaces, but it doesn’t have to disrupt the health and productivity of those who work there. Maximizing natural light, integrating color-adjustable LEDs, utilizing dimming controls, and adopting smart lighting systems allow businesses to create an environment that supports employees’ well-being and work efficiency. By leveraging these lighting controls for health, commercial buildings can smooth the seasonal transition, maintaining a balanced and inviting workplace all year round.

Click here to read the full article, originally published March 10, 2022, by Progress Lighting.