Studies have shown that employee productivity and mental health are affected by office lighting, but so many companies are still using harsh fluorescent lighting and employees are still working in areas with little to no natural light. Even though lighting isn’t the go-to choice for businesses looking to increase productivity or even to save money, when companies are serious about modern methods for improving their work environment, lighting needs to be at the top of the list.

There are several factors that are preventing business owners from taking the necessary steps to change their lighting strategy, such as the cost of new commercial lighting, being unsure of the benefits, and not understanding how to implement changes in an effective way. These concerns are understandable, given that new commercial spaces are still being built with old-fashioned lighting, that it’s hard to imagine productivity improving simply because of a light bulb, and that it’s hard to put faith in studies when they are just that, studies. However, with the right commercial lighting supplier, a team who understands lighting design, and a company who is passionate about helping businesses improve and succeed, it’s a process that can be done.

It Starts With the Right Design

Interior design has been around for centuries — it truly became a trend in the 1930s, and has since exploded. An essential part of interior design is how to implement lighting. Whether you’re a teacher with a classroom of students, in an office typing away, or in a conference room with potential clients, how lighting is used, the products used, and the specifics of each product can make a significant difference in everyone’s experience, productivity, and general wellbeing. So, how is commercial lighting implemented in an effective way?

Getting the Most From Your Commercial Lighting

Understanding Your Building

When a commercial lighting supplier first begins the planning stages of a project, they don’t automatically start buying different types of lighting products. They will first take an overall look at your building or office space. It takes a fundamental understanding of what goes on in an office in order to best create a lighting strategy. Lighting contractors need to see which areas of the office are used most, which spaces are used for one-on-one work, for individual work, for break rooms, etc. Contractors also need to know the function of your business, what hours you’re open, what shifts are the busiest, and so on. From this information, a detailed and custom strategy can be created that will ensure the biggest results.

Layering Light

People naturally feel more at ease in areas with softer light than in areas with harsh light — there’s a reason why interrogation rooms in the movies use the brightest, harshest light possible. In commercial lighting, layering is achieved by combining ambient light, task light, accent light, and general light in order to fill a space. Depending on the purpose of each space, a different type of light can be utilized that will set the tone for that environment. For example, in a coffee shop, lighting may be dimmed slightly so that customers feel at home and are more likely to stay longer. At the same shop, lighting around the area where people order drinks and snacks are displayed may be brighter so that customers are naturally pulled toward that area. In an office, task lighting can be used for smaller work areas and ambient lighting can be used for larger, open spaces. Layering different types of light is a method used to define different areas, improving the mood and productivity in each space.

Use Natural Light

Using natural light isn’t always possible depending on the building, but when a business is able to utilize natural light, there’s nothing better for productivity, energy-efficiency, and mental health. When possible, commercial lighting contractors will take advantage of windows, mirrors, or skylights in order to naturally brighten up the space. It’s also important to note that when there are windows large enough to adequately brighten a space, it’s often up to the building manager or business owner to turn off any existing ceiling lights in order to get the most from the natural light. Using fluorescent lights when there are windows is using energy unnecessarily and interferes with the light coming from the windows.

Using Light Fixtures as Decor

It’s become very trendy recently for breweries, coffee shops, wineries, restaurants, etc. to use light fixtures that double as decor. Industrial lighting that exposes the bulb, mason jars, wooden fixtures, paper lamps, blown glass, organic shapes — the purpose of these unique lighting fixtures is so much bigger than to simply brighten a space. When creating a lighting strategy for a commercial space, using light as decor may not be the biggest priority to employees or business owners, but it’s important to think of the impression it could make on visitors or potential clients who visit the space. With the right fixture, it will help create a space where everyone can take pride in the aesthetic.

Dim the Lights

Anyone who has been to an even slightly fancy restaurant will notice that the lights are dimmer during the dinner hour than during lunch. This is done to create an intimate atmosphere, it encourages guests to relax, and allows for a cozier or more romantic environment. To take it a step further, dim ambient lighting even more and turn on warmly-light wall sconces or light candles to create pockets of light where each guest will be able to enjoy their own personal space.

Look For Energy-Efficient Commercial Lighting

A business doesn’t have to want to be environmentally-friendly in order to see the value of utilizing energy-efficient lighting. What business doesn’t want to save money? If your commercial space still uses incandescent or halogen lights, it’s time to step into the modern world and upgrade to LED lights. Not only are LED lights brighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting, but they also provide a better working environment. LED lights provide a cool color temperature that helps to increase alertness, mood, and productivity, as well as reduce fatigue. The biggest factor that is preventing business owners from upgrading to LED lights is the upfront cost; but this will be offset in long-term savings, both in a company’s bottom line and in employee productivity.

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Work With National Efficiency Supply

Updating your commercial lighting can be intimidating, but National Efficiency Supply is a commercial lighting supplier that is passionate about helping businesses increase productivity and save money. We have years of experience and industry knowledge that we utilize in order to create a personalized plan for your unique building and business model. We understand that no two spaces are the same and businesses all have their own needs when it comes to lighting. We strive to provide innovative lighting products and exceptional service from start to finish.

For business owners who are concerned about the initial cost and not seeing a return on their investment, know that energy-efficient lighting is our specialty and we will do our best to ensure that your office is getting the best products available that will help your company save money. In addition, we are a partner of National Grid, MassSave, and Energize CT and can provide upstream incentives and rebates that make it even easier to upgrade your commercial lighting with LED products. We’ll even handle all of the paperwork so the only thing you need to do is let us design an effective lighting strategy.

If you think it’s time to upgrade your building’s lighting, work with a commercial lighting supplier you can trust. Get in touch with the team at National Efficiency Supply today.