Anyone who has ever sat in front of a screen with tired eyes on a dark winter morning or suffered from headaches under glaring artificial light knows:
Light affects not only our eyes, but our whole body, mind, and mood.
That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look: What types of light are there in the office? What characterizes ergonomic lighting? And how can good lighting be implemented in the home office?
Why good lighting in the workplace is so important
Why do we feel so much better on sunny days than on rainy ones? We feel more motivated, refreshed, and simply in a better mood, while gray, rainy weather can drag us down and make us feel tired and sluggish.
Sunlight not only promotes the production of vitamin D, which supports our immune system, but also directly affects our mood and energy levels. Light stimulates the production of serotonin – the “feel-good hormone” that lifts our spirits – and at the same time inhibits the release of melatonin, which makes us sleepy. In dark, low-light environments, the opposite happens: we become more fatigued, distracted, and sometimes even listless.
💡 Our visual system is sensitive, especially when working at a screen. Both lighting that is too bright and lighting that is too dim can strain our eyes and cause fatigue and headaches. Screen glare is also a common trigger – particularly when light sources reflect off the monitor or are too directly within view. Prolonged exposure to improper lighting can also disrupt our natural sleep rhythm, especially if we work late into the evening with artificial lighting that has a high blue content.
That’s why well-balanced lighting in the workplace is so essential – especially indoors or in a home office, and particularly when natural daylight is lacking.
What types of lighting are there in the office?
Good office lighting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ideally, it consists of a mix of different types of light that are harmoniously coordinated depending on the type of room, time of day, and activity. The goal should always be to create a pleasant, eye-friendly, and productivity-enhancing working environment.
Both natural and artificial light sources play an important role here:
1. Daylight
Natural light is considered the best light for workplace lighting: it not only improves mood, but also performance and productivity. The Workplace Ordinance therefore recommends that workstations should be set up as close to windows as possible. Ideally, the amount of daylight should be sufficient so that artificial lighting only needs to be used as a supplement during the day. However, care should be taken to ensure that no direct sunlight falls on the screen in order to avoid glare.
💡 Tip:
Do you have limited access to daylight? Then daylight lamps could be the solution for you. They simulate natural light and support your biorhythm, especially during the dark winter months.
2. Direct and indirect lightning
When it comes to artificial lighting, a distinction is made between direct and indirect light. To achieve the best lighting results in the workplace, both should be combined in a targeted manner.
- Direct light in the workplace is produced, for example, by desk lamps. This type of lighting targets a specific area, providing higher light intensity on a defined surface.
- Indirect light is created, for instance, through ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures. It ensures even illumination of the entire room, which has a very pleasant effect on the eyes.
3. Accent lighting
Accent lighting is the stylish finishing touch to modern office concepts. It's not a must, but it really boosts the mood! It's not primarily used for illumination, but rather to create specific design highlights that set the mood and emphasize certain areas of the room.
Whether it's an elegant floor lamp next to the lounge area, indirect LED strips on a shelf, or decorative pendant lights above the conference table, accent lighting adds character and structure to any office. It creates a cozy atmosphere and a pleasant mood, especially in creative work environments or lounge areas.
If possible, set up your workspace near a window. However, make sure that you can darken the area if necessary to avoid glare.
What does ergonomic workplace lighting mean?
Ergonomic lighting is not just about “too bright,” “bright enough,” or “too dark.” It is designed to support visual performance and reduce eye strain while promoting general well-being at work. Well-thought-out lighting design plays a key role in preventing fatigue, headaches, and concentration problems.
The following aspects are particularly important in this regard:
1. The correct light color
The color of light has a big impact on how you feel and how productive you are. It is measured in Kelvin (K):
- Warm white light (below 3,300 K) is perceived as relaxing and calming, making it ideal for break rooms, relaxation areas, and quiet zones in the office.
- Neutral white (3,500 – 4,000 K) supports concentration, making it ideal for desk work and productive office tasks.
- Cool white light (4,000 – 6,000 K) is perceived as activating and enhancing concentration. This makes it particularly suitable for work areas that require focus and mental performance, such as desks or meeting rooms.
💡 Tip:
With smart lighting systems – known as Human-Centric Lighting (HCL) concepts – the lighting can be adjusted individually according to the time of day. This biodynamic lighting follows the natural rhythm of daylight and automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature throughout the day.
2. The right light intensity: How much light do you need in the office?
Illuminance is measured in lux. For typical office work, at least 500 lux is required. For tasks that involve high levels of detail – such as technical drawings – up to 750 luxmight be necessary.
Here´s an overview:
| Activity | Recommended illuminance level |
|---|---|
| Generel screen and office work | ≥ 500 lux |
| Technical drawing and precision work | 750 lux |
| Meetingroom | 300–500 lux |
If your workspace feels too dark, investing in a lux meter (starting from around 15 euros) might be worthwhile. It allows you to check whether the brightness at your desk is sufficient for focused work—or if adjustments are needed.
3. Glare-free screens
Ergonomic lighting avoids both direct and indirect glare, which can result from poor lamp placement, shadows, or reflections on your screen. Light sources that can be flexibly adjusted to suit different tasks are ideal.
Make sure that light falls from the side onto your workstation and does not cause reflections on your monitor. You can also use a matte screen protector to reduce glare.
Often, small changes can make a big difference: better lamps, adjustable lighting, or simply adding more natural daylight sources can significantly improve your workplace lighting—and your overall sense of comfort while working.
The right lightning in the homoffice
Lighting at home often differs significantly from that in a traditional office. While workplaces in offices are usually equipped with glare-free lighting according to legal standards, proper ergonomic lighting is often lacking at home. Dining room pendants, ceiling fixtures, or ambient living room lights are usually not sufficient for focused work.
For home office setups, a flexible desk lamp is essential—ideally one where you can adjust both brightness and color temperature. If possible, place your desk sideways to a window to make the most of natural daylight—without screen reflections. To create a more cozy atmosphere in the evening, you can add a small accent light, such as a floor lamp with a warm white light color.
💡 Tip:
When buying lamps, look for ones with the ENEC certification mark – this guarantees tested safety and good light quality.
Standards and requirements for workplace lighting
You have the right to an ergonomically lit workspace, that protects your health and enhances your productivity. It’s especially important that the lighting is tailored to your specific tasks—for example, desk work requires higher illuminance levels than meeting rooms.
Did you know that there are clear regulations for workplace lighting in Germany? The Workplace Ordinance Arbeitsstättenverordnung – ArbStättV) and the standard DIN EN 12464-1 specify that workstations must be sufficiently bright, glare-free, and adapted to the nature of the activity being performed. Key factors include illuminance in lux, and the avoidance of glare, reflections, and shadows.
These regulations include:
- Sufficient brightness (in lux): At least 500 lux for screen-based work, and up to 750 lux for technical or precision tasks.
- Glare-free lightning
- Avoidance of reflections and shadows
- Lighting adapted to the specific work activity
If the lighting in your office does not meet legal requirements, you should report this to your employer. This applies to both office-based and home office workstations.
Tips for a proper workplace lightning
A well-lit workstation helps prevent shadows, glare, and strong contrasts that can quickly fatigue your eyes. Light quality affects not only your visual comfort, but also your concentration and performance. An effective setup combines direct and indirect lighting.
Here are some tips for ergonomic lighting at your desk:
-
Position light sources to the side:
This prevents glare and shadows on your screen. -
Use flexible lighting:
Dimmable desk lamps allow you to adjust brightness to your needs. -
Avoid direct overhead lighting:
Diffuse light is gentler on the eyes and reduces harsh contrasts. -
Minimize reflections:
Use matte surfaces, screen protectors, and place your monitor at a neutral viewing angle. This helps reduce eye strain, especially when working under artificial lighting or changing daylight conditions.
Ergonomic lighting not only improves your performance, but also your well-being. Whether you’re working in an office or at home, the right brightness, light color, and low-glare environment will help you work healthier, more comfortably, and with greater focus.
