The Impact of Lighting on Office Workers’ Well-being and Work Productivity

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of lighting on the health, well-being, and productivity of office workers, with a focus on natural daylight and various artificial lighting systems. It examines how various lighting conditions impact circadian rhythms, sleep patterns, mood stability, cognitive function, and overall employee satisfaction. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study addresses the primary research question: “Does lighting impact worker well-being and work productivity?” It identifies both the beneficial outcomes of effective lighting solutions and the negative effects of poor lighting setups. Existing reviews and studies are critically examined, addressing methodological challenges such as small sample sizes, limited study durations, and lack of standardised measurement approaches, along with individual differences based on age, chronotype, and visual sensitivity. The findings support the value of human-centric lighting strategies, highlighting the necessity of natural daylight exposure, dynamic lighting systems that adjust throughout the day, and personal control over lighting conditions. Finishing with practical recommendations for both future research and workplace design, emphasising the importance of lighting strategies that enhance not just comfort, but long-term productivity and well-being at both the individual and organisational level.