A well-lit office increases productivity, reduces fatigue and contributes to a pleasant work experience. Poor lighting, on the other hand, causes complaints, distraction and unnecessary energy consumption. In this guide, you will read five important do’s and don’ts for office lighting, with practical tips for companies that want to invest in quality and sustainability.

The 5 most important do’s for office lighting

DO: Have a customized lighting plan created

A professionally prepared lighting plan forms the basis of any well-lit workspace. It takes into account the purpose of the room, the position of workstations, the dimensions of the space and the applicable NEN standards (a minimum of 500 lux for office work).

An accurate lighting calculation prevents problems such as over-illumination, shadowy areas or uneven distribution. This ensures that you know exactly how many fixtures you need, which type is suitable and where they can best be installed. This is essential, especially in modern offices with open-plan layouts or flexible workstations.

By investing in a good plan from the outset, you avoid costly adjustments later on.

DO: Choose lighting with a low UGR value (≤19)

The Unified Glare Rating (UGR) indicates the extent to which a luminaire causes glare. For office environments where a great deal of screen work is performed, a UGR value of no more than 19 is required.

Glare not only causes tired eyes, but also loss of concentration and lower productivity. Therefore, choose luminaires with lens technology or shielding that distributes the light in a controlled and comfortable way.

For example: LED spotlights or track lighting with specially developed optics provide both directional light and visual comfort.

DO: Invest in energy-efficient LED lighting

Modern LED lighting is a sustainable choice that directly contributes to lower energy costs. LED luminaires use up to 80% less electricity than traditional halogen or fluorescent lamps and have an average lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 operating hours.

When purchasing, pay attention to the efficiency of the luminaire (expressed in lumens per watt). A value of at least 100 lumens per watt is recommended for offices.

In addition, LED luminaires require little maintenance, are flicker-free and are available in different colour temperatures (for example, 3000K or 4000K), tailored to the atmosphere and function of the space.

DO: Make use of daylight and smart lighting control

Combining natural daylight intelligently with artificial lighting not only saves energy, but also creates a more pleasant working environment.

Use daylight sensors, occupancy detection and timers to automatically dim or switch off lighting wherever possible. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption in meeting rooms or zones that are temporarily not in use.

This quickly results in measurable savings, especially in larger offices or multi-tenant environments.

DO: Use flexible systems such as track lighting

An office environment is constantly changing: new workstation layouts, team growth or changing functions of rooms.

With flexible solutions such as 1-circuit or 3-circuit track lighting, you can easily adjust the number and position of the luminaires and even the light intensity. This can be done without rewiring or cutting into the ceiling.

Track lighting is ideal for project installations and also offers visual benefits thanks to its sleek, minimalist appearance, which suits modern office interiors.

The 5 biggest mistakes in office lighting

DON'T: Hang lighting without seeking advice

Many companies still opt for a quick or inexpensive solution, such as installing random luminaires themselves without technical advice or a lighting calculation. This may initially seem cost-effective, but in practice it often leads to problems such as uneven lighting, over-illuminated zones or distracting shadows on workstations.

A poorly lit office can lead to reduced productivity, tired eyes and even physical complaints. A professional lighting consultant takes factors such as ceiling height, reflectance values, light colour and UGR value into account. This gives you a balanced, future-proof lighting plan tailored to your specific office layout and use.

DON'T: Use unsuitable spotlights or decorative mood lighting at workstations

Not every spotlight is automatically suitable for functional lighting. Cheap or decorative spotlights often have a wide beam, a high glare factor or insufficient light output. Unshielded light sources can shine directly into the field of vision, leading to discomfort, distraction and even headaches during prolonged use.

Professional spotlights for office lighting are equipped with lens technology or a shielded reflector, have a low UGR value and direct the light precisely onto the work area. Mood lighting can certainly play a role—for example, in waiting areas, lounges or informal meeting rooms—but use it there as a supplement to functional basic lighting.

DON'T: Rely on outdated fluorescent or halogen lighting

Old lighting technologies such as fluorescent and halogen lighting are not only inefficient, but also costly to maintain and operate. They consume a lot of energy, generate more heat and have a shorter lifespan. In addition, they often provide a less pleasant light colour and produce flicker that can tire the eyes.

By switching to modern LED lighting, you benefit from significantly lower energy consumption, a longer lifespan (up to 50,000 operating hours) and consistent light quality. LED luminaires are also easier to control and available in variants with low UGR values, making them exceptionally suitable for office environments. Modernizing to LED is a smart investment that quickly pays for itself through lower energy costs and improved working comfort.

DON'T: Leave lighting on all day, even when there is daylight

In many offices, the lighting remains on all day, regardless of the outdoor light or whether the room is in use. This leads to unnecessarily high energy costs and unsustainable behaviour. Especially in rooms such as meeting rooms, corridors or toilets, where people are not continuously present, this wastes energy.

By investing in smart lighting control—such as motion sensors, occupancy detection and daylight-dependent dimmers—the lighting switches on and off automatically or adjusts to the natural light level. This increases user comfort and significantly reduces energy costs.

DON'T: Have lighting permanently installed without considering future layouts

When office spaces are built or renovated, lighting is sometimes integrated directly into the ceiling without any flexibility for future changes. This is particularly problematic when workstation layouts change or rooms are repurposed. Fixed systems are difficult to relocate or expand, resulting in additional installation costs or aesthetic limitations.

Therefore, choose modular solutions such as 3-circuit or 1-circuit track lighting. These systems can easily be adapted to new layouts without structural work or additional cabling. This keeps your office space dynamic and cost-efficient.

Conclusion

Professional office lighting requires a smart combination of comfort, efficiency and flexibility. By making the right choices and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a workspace that is both sustainable and pleasant. Do you have any questions? Our lighting specialists will be happy to help you with customized solutions for your office.