Human-centric lighting is a design strategy that mimics the patterns of daylight. Using lighting controls, like dimmers, indoor lighting can gradually change intensity and color temperature throughout the day to follow the body’s circadian rhythm. In the morning, lighting will be blue-toned, then shift to warmer-toned towards the evening. By replicating natural daylight, people will notice better sleep patterns, alertness, and focus.

HCL can be considered during the construction phase of a new building. The building will be filled with natural lighting by designing lots of windows or skylights. Then daylighting can supplement the office on darker, dreary days.

Creating an ergonomic lighting setup requires a mix of thoughtful design, advanced technologies, and practical adjustments. Below are key strategies for implementing human-centric lighting in the workplace.

Advanced Lighting Controls and Smart Technology

Smart lighting solutions are a critical tool for making workplace lighting more human-centric. Lighting controls, like dimmers and timers, can adjust the office lighting throughout the day. By pairing them with smart controls, daylighting can be done automatically. Employees can even use smart lighting controls to adjust the lighting to their personal needs.

Lighting Design Considerations

A well-designed lighting scheme incorporates both ambient and task lighting:

• Natural Lighting: During the planning phase of an office, consider where the windows and skylights are so employees can get lots of natural lighting during the day.
• Overhead Lighting: Recessed fixtures, pendants, or diffused ceiling lights provide uniform illumination. Avoid harsh, direct lights to minimize glare.
• Task Lighting: Adjustable desk lamps and under-cabinet lights offer targeted illumination for detailed work, reducing eye strain.
• Anti-Glare Measures: Position light sources carefully to avoid reflections on screens or work surfaces. Anti-glare screens and light diffusers further enhance visual comfort.
• Shadow Management: Use multiple light sources to eliminate shadows and ensure consistent illumination across workstations.

Human-centric lighting offers a myriad of advantages for employees and organizations alike:

1. Enhanced Productivity: Bright, cool light in the morning promotes alertness and focus, while warm, dim light in the afternoon and evening helps employees wind down. Studies suggest that well-lit environments can improve focus by 15% and reduce errors by up to 20%.
2. Health Benefits of Human-Centric Lighting: Exposure to dynamic lighting supports circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep quality and reduced fatigue. Proper lighting also minimizes eye strain and musculoskeletal discomfort caused by awkward postures in poorly lit spaces.
3. Improved Mood and Well-being: By mimicking natural daylight, HCL reduces stress and enhances mood. This creates a more inviting and comfortable workspace, boosting employee satisfaction and retention.
4. Energy Efficiency: Smart lighting solutions improve employee comfort and contribute to sustainability by optimizing energy use through automated adjustments and energy-efficient LEDs.
5. Versatility Across Sectors: While particularly beneficial in offices, human-centric lighting is also valuable in healthcare settings (supporting patient recovery) and educational environments (enhancing learning outcomes).

The future of human-centric lighting technology is set to revolutionize workplaces by integrating advanced innovations that prioritize health, productivity, and sustainability. These emerging technologies will enhance lighting systems’ functionality and transform how employees experience and interact with their work environments.

Advanced Personalization and AI Integration

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to leverage personalized experiences for employees. AI can adapt to individual preferences or use data collected through smart building systems to adjust the brightness and color temperature to suit the employees’ needs. This can help promote focus during peak work hours and relaxation during breaks.

IoT-Enabled Smart Lighting Ecosystems

Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the types of technology that promotes seamless communication between lighting systems and other technology throughout the building. This will connect the lighting with HVAC, occupancy sensors, and other tools to create an adaptive, intelligent building. This allows lighting to automatically turn off in unoccupied rooms to conserve energy.

The Impact on Workplace Design and Culture

Architects and designers constantly evolve to create a healthy and productive workplace by incorporating dynamic lighting into the spaces. By creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space, employees can be more comfortable while they work. Emphasizing natural lighting will help improve employees’ health and productivity. This can be done using windows, skylights, and lighting controls to simulate daylighting. Human-centric lighting will also make remote workspaces more comfortable and effective, enabling consistent performance regardless of location.

Workplaces are continuing to evolve, so employee health is the main priority. With thoughtful consideration of design and human-centric lighting, businesses can improve the happiness and health of their workers. Lighting controls and smart technologies can be leveraged to create visually appealing and productive workplaces.

Action Services Group is a national provider of LED retrofits and lighting controls. Our team can provide expert advice on how to redesign your lighting to benefit your employees. To speak with one of our specialists, call 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.