Natural Light, Natural Productivity: The Power of Biophilic Office Lighting

Lighting companies serving the office sector have a unique opportunity to transform workplaces through biophilic lighting design. But what exactly does that mean, and is it worth the investment? 

What is biophilic design? 

Biophilic design refers to an environment built specifically to bring humans closer to nature. This is an interesting opportunity for lighting design; humans are significantly affected by light and dark, as our physiological and biological cycles, hormone releases and mood swings are all dependent on exposure to light.  

No matter the current levels of natural light in an office, circadian lighting solutions can mimic or enhance natural sunlight progressions throughout the day by adjusting colour temperature and intensity, will attract companies interested in supporting the natural rhythms of their employees. This has been proven to improve mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing, which is within the interests of forward-thinking business owners wanting to improve their workspaces.  

Why should your clients bother with biophilia in the office? 

Currently, stress is thought to be one of the biggest health issues in the UK, causing 35% of ill health and 43% of absenteeism. These absences cost an estimated £29 billion to the UK economy every year. With 60% of office workers lacking access to sunlight and hours of screen time causing headaches and eye strain, there is a clear need for biophilic lighting solutions.  

With your solutions, clients can expect significant improvements: 

• 15% increase in employee well-being 

• 10-25% increase in performance 

• 15% reduction in absenteeism 

• 84% decrease in eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision symptoms 

Helping your clients address their needs 

Encourage your clients to consider: 

1. How much natural light does their workspace currently have? 

2. How is it distributed? 

3. Where can they increase natural light? 

Here, other structural changes might be an option, like installing large windows or skylights. For spaces where these changes aren’t feasible, your company can offer solutions such as strategically placed mirrors or reflective surfaces to enhance existing light. 

What kind of lighting can you offer? 

Your biophilic lighting range should include:

• Adjustable and customisable systems able to mimic natural light patterns 

• Fixtures made from natural light materials in organic shapes 

• Energy-efficient LEDs with long lifespans 

Modern LEDs can now offer CRI values over 90, nearing the actual quality of natural light. They can be adjusted to different colour temperatures, creating a sense of natural authenticity in the workspace. These features not only improve the office environment but are also eco-friendly, promoting sustainability in the workplace. 

Design firm Gensler have transformed the Adobe HQ in San Jose into a biophilic oasis. Greenhouse-inspired meeting rooms with dynamic lighting systems that adjust throughout the day to align the circadian rhythms of the office with that of the natural world. Adobe employees now not only have a workspace they enjoy and take pride in, but also one that boosts their creativity and productivity.  

Expanding your market: Where else does biophilic lighting work? 

Offices might be the obvious location for these solutions, but they have proven effective elsewhere. It has been found that in hospitals where patients are exposed to more natural light, recouperation rates improved by 8.5%, and pain medication use reduced by 22%. Biophilic lighting solutions present an opportunity to tap into new markets, such as healthcare and beyond.  

Takeaways for your clients 

Embracing a biophilic lighting solution doesn’t have to mean a complete office overhaul for your clients. You can offer various approaches, from singular smart products to full reconfigurations. The key is to start small and develop towards a workspace that feels grounded and natural. With your unique services, businesses can create environments that not only look better, but also support the well-being and productivity of their employees. This opportunity offers benefits difficult to ignore, it’s a service that could make your business stand out in a competitive market.