3 Things you should know about Lighting Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a fairly common term that is typically used in reference with office designs and arrangements. It is derived from the Greek words “ergon” and “nomos” that mean “work” and “law” respectively. It is defined as a scientific discipline that helps in understanding human interactions with their surrounding elements. Workstation height, proper keyboard placement, good furniture, quality computer screens, etc. are some of the ergonomic determinants that are known to affect people’s mood and behaviour in office spaces.   

What is lighting ergonomics?

Lighting ergonomics is typically defined as the relationship between a light source and an individual. It is known to influence an employee’s overall productivity and efficiency. Incorporation of lighting ergonomics can also minimize the risk of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and ensure the health and wellness of the employees. CVS is a condition that arises due to prolonged focusing of eyes on computer screens that can result in strain and vision-related problems.

What is the importance of lighting ergonomics?

Since lighting is known to affect human behaviour and mood, lighting ergonomics is regarded as a crucial part of an office design. Experts claim that lack of an appropriate office lighting solution can hamper the overall productivity of the employees as it can make them susceptible to high rate of errors, eye strains, impaired alertness, headaches, eye discomfort, malaise, and fatigue. Thus, it is important for office authorities to make sure that proper lighting ergonomics is integrated and maintained in the space at all times.

Here are some tips that can help in ensuring appropriate lighting ergonomics in office spaces:

1. Avoid lights that are too dim or too bright

Office lights that are too bright can lead to glare and eye strain problems. Similarly, dim lights can make employees feel lethargic, slow, and torpid. Thus, it is extremely important to maintain optimum brightness levels at all times. For instance, office authorities can decide on smart lighting solutions like Human Centric Lighting by Wipro Lighting that can emulate natural light-like conditions in indoor spaces and ensure proper illumination throughout the day.

2. Check the brightness of the computer screen

Putting computer screens on full brightness can cause discomfort and fatigue. It can put strain on the eyes and eventually hamper one’s quality of work. Thus, one should always keep a check on their PC’s brightness levels.

3. Don’t position monitors near windows

While keeping a check on the screen’s brightness levels, it is important to ensure the right placements too. Experts claim that computers or laptops should always be positioned away from the windows as this not only increases the risk of glares but also creates high contrast between the screen and the light coming from the window. 

Moreover, the leading commercial lighting manufacturers also suggest office authorities to decide on lights with cooler colour temperatures. For instance, they can decide on soft yellow lights as they are easy and comfortable on the eyes. 

Moreover, the leading commercial lighting manufacturers also suggest office authorities to adjust indoor lighting with the “time of day” to support circadian rhythms of employees. They should also encourage their employees to follow the 20-20-20 rule for preventing the risk of eye strains.  The rule states that for every 20 minutes spent looking on computer screen, an employee should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.