5 Do’s & Don’ts for Office Lighting

DO: LIGHT CALCULATION

Always perform a light calculation. In the Netherlands, we even have a standard (NEN standard) for workplace lighting levels. Standard office tasks require 500 lux, which is often not achieved in offices with outdated fluorescent fixtures.

DO: CHECK UGR

Headaches are something we definitely want to avoid at work. That’s why you should check the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) of your new lighting before purchasing it. The UGR indicates the glare factor—if it is equal to or lower than 21, you’re good. If you want to be absolutely sure that your lighting is not a disruptive factor in the workplace, choose UGR <19. A lower glare factor prevents discomfort caused by the light’s reflection when looking through the space.

DO: SAVE ENERGY

An investment is great… but getting a return on it is even better. By replacing conventional lighting with LED, you can quickly save more than 50% on your energy bill. Pay attention to the lumen-per-watt ratio when purchasing LED lighting. The higher the lumen-per-watt ratio, the lower your energy bill. A more expensive fixture can actually be more cost-effective in the long run! Tip: don’t go below 100 lumens per watt.

DON’T: CHOOSE THE LOWEST PRICE

Cheap can end up being expensive. Make sure you consider all the do’s when purchasing lighting—issues such as headaches and fatigue can be avoided. Poor lighting reduces productivity in the office, costing your company valuable time. Don’t be tempted by the cheapest option; always check the specifications.

DON’T: USE EXPOSED BULBS

Avoid using decorative lights that are not shielded. The chances of directly looking into them are high, which can cause unnecessary distractions while working. If you want to incorporate atmospheric lighting, don’t do it yourself—seek advice from a lighting expert. Often, the first consultation is free.