How LED Lighting Can Support a Return to the Office

LED lighting in commercial offices can do more than just upgrade energy efficiency; it is also a strategic tool for enticing employees back to the office. Increasing numbers of employers are encouraging a return to the workplace, with some companies insisting on a full, five-days-a-week schedule. Boots is a recent high-profile example of this trend.

Furthermore, 63% of UK CEOs surveyed by KPMG in October last year predicted a full return to in-office working by 2026, while four in ten companies have already reverted to this setup, according to Virgin Media O2’s Business Movers Index. A return to the office places an ever-greater emphasis on the quality of the workplace and its role in maintaining staff engagement. LED lighting can be a key tool in creating a better work environment for a variety of reasons, as explored below.

LED Lighting: A Tool for Creating a Better Office Environment

Enhanced Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Numerous research studies and reports, including those by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), have documented the link between well-designed lighting systems and occupant comfort and wellbeing. LED lighting systems can be adjusted to mimic natural daylight, supporting the body’s circadian rhythm and promoting better sleep and overall health.

The impact of lighting on occupant wellbeing is why it is one of the seven core areas covered by the WELL Building Standard (overseen by the IWBI), which places people’s health and wellness at the centre of design.

Improved Safety and Reduced Accidents

Proper lighting is essential in any workspace to ensure that employees can perform their tasks effectively and safely, as outlined in guidance by the Health & Safety Executive. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, which can affect productivity and increase the likelihood of accidents due to decreased alertness. LED lights provide bright, uniform illumination, significantly improving visibility in all areas of an office and reducing the risk of trips, slips, and falls.

The high performance of LED lights in rendering colour accurately (referred to as a high Colour Rendering Index) also helps employees better discern details and avoid making mistakes.

Integration with Smart Building Systems

LED systems can be integrated with sensors and automation technologies to create responsive lighting environments. For example, occupancy sensors can ensure that lights are turned on or off based on the presence of people, ensuring that unoccupied areas are not left in the dark and thereby preventing accidents. Smart lighting systems can also be programmed to provide pathway lighting during late hours, enhancing security for employees who work late.

Emergency Preparedness

In emergencies, such as power outages or fires, lighting plays a critical role in guiding occupants safely out of the building. LED lighting systems can be integrated with emergency power supplies to ensure that exit routes remain illuminated during such events. Compared to traditional lighting, LEDs have a longer lifespan, meaning they are less likely to fail when needed most. Additionally, LED emergency lights can be designed to activate immediately, providing instant illumination and ensuring a safe and efficient evacuation.

With employers keen to entice workers back to the office, quality LED lighting is a critical element in creating a safer and more inviting workplace environment. Investing in LED lighting, whether installing a new system or retrofitting an existing one, is a relatively low-cost measure that can help make office spaces better and healthier – and a more attractive alternative to home working.

• Tamlite has long championed energy-efficient, sustainable lighting. For more information about responsible specification, please see our free e-book Let’s Talk About Light. Tamlite offers a comprehensive range of energy-efficient LED lights for workplaces across a range of settings. To find out how you can benefit from LED lighting, request your FREE lighting energy survey.