Fundamental challenges with workplace lighting frustrates 83% of UK office workers – Lutron study (United Kingdom)
Study reveals stark health and wellbeing impact of poorly-lit workplace environments |
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Fundamental challenges with workplace lighting frustrates 83% of UK office workers – Lutron study (United Kingdom)
Study reveals stark health and wellbeing impact of poorly-lit workplace environments |
Category: Europe - United Kingdom - Suppliers
- Providers
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2017-06-02
Lutron Electronics, the global leader in lighting and blinds control, today revealed the impact of poor workplace lighting with the results of an independent study. The survey focused on key areas including the impact of lighting on mood and wellbeing, as well as whether workers had personal control of their lights or were subject to standard lighting control settings across the office. Carried out by Opinion Matters, the survey polled more than 1,000 office workers aged 22+ in the UK.
Key findings include:
- 88 per cent of UK respondents said that their office lighting is important or very important
- 83 per cent of UK office workers are frustrated by their workplace lighting
- 80 per cent experience negative symptoms due to poor lighting
The age groups most impacted by office lighting
Half (50 per cent) of UK office workers consider the lighting in their office to be ‘important’, while a further 37 per cent view it as ‘very important’.
Younger adult age groups are more sensitive to lighting in their working environment:
- Some 40 per cent of those aged 22-31 stated that lighting is ‘very important’
- This compared to 37 per cent of those aged 32-41, with 34 per cent from the 42-54 group
- Among the oldest age group (55+), it was 38 per cent
Visibility and accuracy: positive impacts of lighting
One third (32 per cent) stated that their existing workplace lighting aids them in the accuracy and visibility of their work. In addition, 27 per cent believe it allows them to focus more while 25 per cent said it increases their general wellbeing.
However, 35 per cent of overall respondents said their existing office lighting does not have any positive impact on them at work. This figure is even higher (44 per cent) among those in large companies with more than 5,000 employees and amongst the most senior generation (55+), where it reached more than half (51 per cent).
The biggest frustrations about existing lighting at work
When asked about the main irritations with office illumination, issues cited included not being able to control the lights (34 per cent), artificial light being too bright (33 per cent) and discomfort due to sunlight glare (28 per cent).
“Keeping employees happy and productive at work should be a priority for UK employers,” said David Ribbons, director of sales for Europe and Africa at Lutron. “Our study shows that a significant number of employees are frustrated by their lighting environment and are impacted by its negative effects. Luckily, a simple, retrofittable lighting control solution is available to alleviate most of these concerns.”
The negative impact of poor lighting
Eight in 10 UK office workers have suffered negative symptoms due to poor lighting. Almost half (49 per cent) have experienced headaches. Almost as many (48 per cent) have experienced eyestrain or eye irritation due to lighting issues. Some 40 per cent also reported tiredness, all due to poor lighting.
“Despite the large majority of employees being frustrated with their office lighting, overcoming this problem is actually far easier than businesses might think. Companies need to either hand over the controls of their office lighting to employees, so they can adjust the light according to their needs, or ideally put in place a fully integrated lighting and shading solution, that automatically creates the optimal light setting in each room,” Ribbons added.
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Founded in 1961, Lutron Electronics is headquartered in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. From dimmers for the home, to lighting management systems for entire buildings, the company designs and manufactures more than 15,000 energy-saving products, which are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. In the U.S. alone, Lutron products save an estimated 10 billion kWh of electricity, or approximately $1 billion in utility costs per year. The company’s early inventions — including the company’s first dimmer design — are now at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Outside the U.S., notable installations include St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), Wimbledon Centre Court (London), and the Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao).
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