Work more productively with the perfect workplace lighting

The key points at a glance:

• Optimal workplace lighting supports your health and concentration.
• With the right lighting at work, error rates and signs of fatigue decrease.
• Innovative technologies such as LED technology and Human Centric Lighting (HCL) offer individual customization options.
• NEONA designer lights combine functionality and aesthetics, even in office lamps.

Why the right workplace lighting is so important

You spend many hours a day at your workplace – whether in the office, at home or in the workshop. A poorly designed workplace lighting setup can lead to increased visual fatigue and discomfort, which can affect not only your wellbeing but also your productivity.

A well matched workplace lighting setup, on the other hand, can help to reduce visual strain and promote overall wellbeing.

In contrast, optimally planned lighting supports your biorhythm and boosts your concentration, which also shows in your error rate.

The right workplace lighting is therefore not just a nice extra, but a decisive factor for your wellbeing and performance. Investing in high-quality lighting concepts pays off for everyone.

Key basics of workplace lighting

Fundamentally, both natural daylight and artificial light sources play a role in the overall concept. Natural light is considered the best light source, as it has a positive effect on biorhythm and mood. Where daylight is not available in sufficient quantities, artificial lighting comes into play.

💡 Recommended illuminance

The illuminance, measured in lux, indicates how much light is present per unit of area.

• For office workstations, experts recommend a value between 500-750 lux.
• Depending on age and field of work (e.g. delicate tasks), higher values between 750 and 1500 lux may also be required.

When planning, the right illuminance at the workplace should therefore always be adjusted individually.

💡 Glare and reflections

Glare and unwanted reflections are common causes of eye strain at work. These effects can be caused by incorrect positioning of the light source or thoughtless surface design.

To prevent these problems, even simple measures help:

💡 Even illumination

Another important aspect is the even illumination of the workplace. Bright, even lighting conditions without dark corners help to avoid visual fatigue.

Make sure that strong contrasts are avoided and all areas of the workplace are sufficiently lit.

The right light color in the office

The quality of light at the workplace goes far beyond mere brightness. Two key factors also play an important role here:

• Color temperature
• and color rendering.

💡 Color temperature

The color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and describes whether the light appears warm or cool. In offices, neutral to daylight white light (around 5500 K) is often recommended, as it promotes concentration.

Other rooms, such as living areas, tend to benefit more from warm white light for a cozier atmosphere.

💡 Color rendering

The color rendering is crucial for how “natural” colors appear under a particular light source. For work areas where precise color reproduction matters, such as in laboratories or design studios, a high color rendering index (CRI above 90) is essential.

Lighting concepts and modern technologies

The optimal workplace lighting is based on a well-thought-out concept that combines different light sources. In addition to general lighting, there are also

solutions such as

• LED workplace lights,
• desk lamps
• and innovative systems such as Human Centric Lighting (HCL).

💡 Combining different light sources

The best solution is to combine light sources that point in different directions:

1. Daylight,
2. general ceiling lights
3. and individual desk lamps.

This mix provides even illumination that also takes individual needs into account.

💡 Modern LED technology as workplace lighting

Modern LED lights offer enormous advantages: they are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan and allow flexible lighting design. As LED workplace lighting , LED lamps offer flicker-free dimming and excellent color rendering.

Discover, for example, NEONA's designer LED office lamps for a modern working environment.

💡 Dimmable and flexible lights

Lights that are adjustable via a dimmer and whose color temperature can be set individually make it possible to adapt the lighting conditions optimally to the respective area of use.

This not only creates a flexible lighting mood but also helps to simulate the natural course of daylight as realistically as possible.

💡 Human Centric Lighting (HCL)

An innovative concept is Human Centric Lighting (HCL). Here, the light intensity and color temperature are controlled so that they follow the natural course of daylight.

Innovative lighting systems such as Human Centric Lighting could – based on current research findings – have a positive influence on subjective wellbeing. HCL is becoming increasingly important, especially in modern workplaces.

Lighting solutions for different work areas

Different work areas have different requirements for lighting. Whether office workstations, laboratories or workshops – the lighting should be tailored to the needs.

💡 Office workstations

For classic office workstations, system luminaires that provide large-area, even illumination are ideal. The recommended value here is around 5500 Kelvin, which creates a neutral, focused atmosphere.

💡 Laboratories and electronics workstations

In laboratories and at electronics workstations, precisely adjustable arm and articulated-arm lamps are especially important. They make it possible to illuminate specific work areas selectively. A colour temperature of around 6000 Kelvin or more creates an active and focused working atmosphere.

💡 Workshops

In workshops, the focus is on high illuminance levels and excellent colour rendering. Robust task lights that can withstand dust and dirt are particularly advantageous here. By using state-of-the-art LED lamps, large workshops can also achieve even lighting conditions.

Legal requirements and standards for workplace lighting

Legal requirements must also be taken into account when planning workplace lighting. Important foundations here are the German Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and the Technical Rules for Workplaces.

💡 German Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV)

The ArbStättV forms the legal basis and stipulates that workplaces must have adequate lighting. These standards ensure that the safety and health of employees are guaranteed even in poor lighting conditions.

💡 Technical Rule for Workplaces "Lighting" (ASR A3.4)

ASR A3.4 specifies the requirements for lighting conditions in workplaces. It sets out details such as minimum illuminance values, uniformity, glare-free lighting and other important parameters that need to be considered during planning.

💡 DGUV Information 215-211

DGUV Information 215-211 deals with the influence of daylight and the visual connection to the outside. This information helps companies make optimal use of daylight and thus ensure a healthy workplace.

Practical tips for implementing optimal workplace lighting

Here you will find a checklist for implementation:

💡 Expert tips: When choosing your desk lighting, make sure it is flexibly adjustable.

💡 Economic aspects of workplace lighting

An investment in high-quality LED workplace lighting pays off in the long run – not only through energy savings, but also through increased productivity and fewer failures. Efficient lighting systems often pay for themselves within just a few years.

Conclusion

The right workplace lighting is a key factor for health, productivity and well-being at work. With modern lighting concepts, powerful LEDs and innovative systems such as Human Centric Lighting (HCL) , you can create optimal lighting conditions. Companies and private users can not only save on energy costs, but also deliberately improve the working environment.

With a well-thought-out mix of ceiling, desk and wall lighting, workplaces are designed to meet both legal requirements and individual needs. Invest in high-quality lamps – that way you are not only focusing on efficiency, but also making a visual statement.

FAQ

How many lux should there be at the workplace?

For office workstations, the recommended value is between 500 and 750 lux. For fine detail work or for older employees, 750 to 1500 lux can also make sense.

Which colour temperature is best for the office?

For offices, a colour temperature of around 5500 Kelvin is recommended, as this value creates a neutral and focused atmosphere.

What is Human Centric Lighting (HCL)?

HCL is a lighting concept that adapts the lighting conditions to the natural course of daylight, so that your biorhythm is optimally supported and productivity increases.

Which legal standards are relevant?

Important foundations are the German Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and the Technical Rules for Workplaces, in particular ASR A3.4, which sets out all the essential requirements for workplace lighting.

How can I avoid glare at the workplace?

To avoid glare, position your desk at an angle to the window, use blinds or roller shades, and pay attention to matte surfaces on furniture and work equipment.

💡 Feel free to read more guides on the topic of light:

• Which light colour makes you tired? Tips for the right lighting
• How long do LED lamps last? Everything about lifespan