The Visual Environment: How Workplace Lighting Impacts Occupant Mood

Dev Singh; Deepti Rana Pande

Abstract

This article explores the evolving focus on workplace lighting, shifting from mere functionality to encompassing effects on occupant health and psychology. It conducts a comprehensive review of literature, including journals, dissertations, theses, and books from the last decade, with references to older sources for a holistic view. The review starts by defining mood and its importance in the workplace. It then examines workplace lighting standards and their impact on health and productivity.Work environments prioritize visual comfort, crucial for user satisfaction and productivity. Adequate lighting is associated with improved performance, fewer errors, accidents, and less absenteeism. Resolving visual discomfort enhances workplace pleasantness, optimizing subjective responses and performance. However, lighting often focuses solely on visual needs, neglecting its potential impact on health.In Indonesia, workplace lighting is recommended to have a Colour Rendering Index (CRI) level of 1 or 2, with limited light intensity and specific daylight factors. Illuminance level significantly impacts visual comfort, followed by correlated color temperature (CCT) and lighting uniformity. Different studies recommend various illuminance levels for optimal performance based on the type of work.The review also addresses the relationship between lighting and mood. Lighting, often seen as merely visually impactful, actually affects neuroendocrine responses and associated psychology, including mood and depressive behavior. Exposure to light influences cortisol and melatonin levels, impacting alertness and sleep patterns. Understanding these effects can ensure occupants' psychological health, particularly in environments with suboptimal lighting. Research evaluating links between artificial lighting and health effects is essential, focusing on responses to different lighting qualities and quantities. Overall, this review underscores the importance of considering lighting's impact beyond functionality, encompassing its profound effects on occupant well-being and productivity.

Abstract

Keywords