Whilst natural lighting is very important, for health and wellness reasons, using artificial lighting is unavoidable. Lighting is important in the workplace, irrespective of what type of business you have. In this article, we’re going to look at the specific commercial lighting requirements of large office units.
Background Lighting
Background lighting is the type of lighting that stays on all day and you don’t even know it’s on until the power goes out. Hidden lighting in suspended ceilings is common in large commercial units. This type of lighting can be adjusted to suit the unit’s configuration and cables are hidden behind panels, along with air-con ducting and comms. An LED panel light is inexpensive to run and the perfect general background lighting solution for modern offices because it emits a diffused light that is non-reflective. In addition, LED bulbs are long-lasting, and so don’t need replacing very often.
Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is essential for health and safety reasons. In the event of a fire or similar event, emergency lighting helps guide people to safety in the darkness. Unlike conventional lighting, which is mains operated and likely to fail if the electrical circuits are damaged, emergency lighting is powered by battery packs. It helps prevent panic during an emergency.
Spot Lighting
Spot lighting is used to highlight particular areas, such as company branding materials or the business’s name on a reception wall. It can also be used to shine a light on works of art or important health and safety notices.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is essential for employee welfare and safety. Desk lamps, clip on sport lights, and other small lamps are typically used on desks and workstations. It’s best to let employees specify what task lights they want. For example, an adjustable clip on light might be more useful to a graphic designer than a static desk lamp. In addition, clip on lights can free up space on a crowded desk.
Freestanding floor lamps are sometimes useful if a worker needs additional lighting. It’s important to invest in adjustable lighting that can be dimmed if necessary.
Tabletop Lighting
Tabletop lighting can be both decorative and functional. Decorative lighting is perfect for side offices and board rooms. It can also be used in breakout meeting areas and receptions. The type of lights you choose will be dictated by the overall style of the office. Traditional lights might be a good choice in some offices, whereas trendy startups will likely prefer something a bit funkier.
Meeting Room Lighting
Try to make the most of natural lighting, but install blinds to allow for adjustment. Meeting room lighting should be diffused, so it doesn’t create too much glare on computer screens and audio-visual equipment. Be mindful that workers may use meeting rooms for presentations and video conferencing.
Install a lighting control system to save money. This ensures lights are automatically switched off when rooms are empty, thus saving money. Dimmer switches are also useful, as they allow employees to adjust the lighting to suit their requirements.