Anyone who has ever sat in front of a screen on a dark winter morning with tired eyes, or suffered from headaches due to dazzling artificial light, knows this:
Light affects not only our eyes, but our entire body, mind, and mood.
That's why it's worth taking a closer look: What types of light are there in the office? What defines ergonomic lighting? And how can good lighting be implemented in a home office?
In this article, you'll learn what really matters in modern workplace lighting.
Why good lighting in the workplace is so important
Why do we always feel so much better on sunny days than when it's raining? We feel more motivated, refreshed, and simply in a better mood, while gray, rainy weather can be depressing, making us sluggish and tired.
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 – that "happiness hormone" that makes us feel good – and at the same time inhibits the release of melatonin, which makes us tired. In dark, dimly lit environments, the opposite happens: We become fatigued more quickly, lose concentration, and sometimes even lack drive.
💡 Our visual system is sensitive, especially when working on screens. Both excessively bright and excessively dim lighting can quickly overstimulate our eyes and lead to fatigue and headaches. Glare on the screen is also a frequent cause, especially if light sources are reflected on the monitor surface or are too strongly in the field of vision.
In addition, consistently incorrect lighting can also disrupt our natural sleep rhythm, especially when working for extended periods late at night under artificial lighting with too high a blue light component.
This is precisely why well-adjusted workplace lighting is so important, especially indoors or in a home office, and particularly when natural daylight is scarce.
What types of office lighting are there?
Good office lighting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Ideally, it consists of a mix of different types of light, harmoniously coordinated according to room type, time of day, and activity. The goal should always be to create a pleasant, eye-friendly, and at the same time productivity-enhancing working environment.
Both natural and artificial light sources play an important role:
1. Daylight
Natural light is considered the best light for workplace illumination: It not only boosts mood but also enhances performance and productivity. The Workplace Ordinance therefore recommends that workstations should be set up as close to windows as possible. Ideally, the proportion of daylight should be so high that artificial lighting only needs to be used as a supplement during the day. However, care should be taken to ensure that direct sunlight does not fall on the screen to avoid glare.
💡 Tip:
Do you have limited access to daylight? Then daylight lamps might be a solution for you. They simulate natural light and support your biorhythm, especially during the dark winter months.
2. Direct and indirect light
For artificial lighting, a distinction is made between direct and indirect light. To achieve the best lighting results at the workplace, both should be deliberately combined.
- Direct light at the workplace is created, for example, by desk lamps. Here, a specific area is illuminated, providing higher light intensity on a particular surface.
- Indirect light is generated, for example, by ceiling or wall lighting. It provides uniform room illumination and thus has a very pleasant effect on the eyes.
3. Accent lighting
Accent lighting is the stylish finishing touch of modern office concepts. Not a must-have, but a real mood booster! It is not primarily used for general illumination, but rather to strategically highlight design elements, creating atmosphere and emphasizing specific areas in the room.
Whether it's an elegant floor lamp next to the lounge area, indirect LED strips in a shelf, or decorative pendant lights above the conference table – accent lighting gives every office character and structure. Especially in creative work environments or lounge areas, it provides cozy accents and a pleasant basic atmosphere.
If possible, set up your workstation near a window. However, make sure you can darken the area if necessary to avoid glare.
What does ergonomic workplace lighting mean?
Ergonomic lighting doesn't just mean "too bright," "bright enough," or "too dark." It is designed to support visual performance and relieve eye strain while promoting overall well-being at work. Thoughtful lighting design significantly contributes to preventing fatigue, headaches, and concentration problems.
The following aspects are particularly important:
1. The right light color
The light color has a big influence 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 and relaxation rooms, as well as quiet zones in the office.
- Neutral white (3,500 – 4,000 K) promotes concentration and is therefore ideally suited for classic desk work.
- Cool white light (4,000 – 6,000 K) is perceived as activating and concentration-enhancing. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for work areas where attention and performance are required, such as at desks or in meeting rooms.
💡 Tip:
With intelligent lighting concepts, so-called Human-Centric-Lighting concepts (HCL for short), lighting can be individually controlled depending on the time of day. Biodynamic lighting is based on the natural course of the day and automatically adjusts brightness and light color throughout the day. For example, cooler light is used in the morning hours to activate the body, while warmer light is used in the evening for relaxation.
2. The right light intensity: How much light do you need in the office?
Illuminance is measured in lux. For office work, at least 500 lux is required, and for particularly detailed tasks such as technical drawings, up to 750 lux.
Here's an overview:
| Activity | Recommended Illuminance |
|---|---|
| General computer work | ≥ 500 Lux |
| Technical drawing / Precision work | 750 Lux |
| Meeting room | 300–500 Lux |
💡Tip:
If your workplace seems too dark, it might be worth purchasing a lux meter (starting from approx. 15 Euros). This allows you to check whether the brightness is sufficient for your desk work or if you need to adjust something.
3. Glare-free screens
Ergonomic lighting avoids direct and indirect glare, which can be caused by, for example, incorrect luminaire placement, shadows, or reflections on the screen. Light sources that can be flexibly adjusted to changing requirements are therefore ideally suited.
Make sure that the light sources fall on the workspace from the side and do not create reflections on the monitor. Additionally, a matte screen protector, for example, can help here.
Often, small changes can have a big impact: Better lamps, adjustable lights, or additional daylight sources are often enough to significantly improve workplace lighting and, with it, the entire working experience.
The right lighting in the home office
Lighting in a home office often differs significantly from that in a traditional office. While workplaces in offices are usually equipped with glare-free light sources according to legal requirements, proper ergonomic lighting planning is often lacking at home. Dining room lamps, ceiling lights, or indirect ambient lighting are usually insufficient for concentrated work.
For home office work, a flexible desk lamp with adjustable brightness and light color is important. If possible, position your desk sideways to the window to make optimal use of daylight – without reflections on the screen. For a cozier atmosphere in the evening, a small accent light, such as a floor lamp with warm white light, can be used.
💡 Tip:
When buying lamps, look for luminaires with the ENEC test mark – this guarantees tested safety and good light quality.
Standards and requirements for workplace lighting
You have the right to an ergonomically lit workplace that protects your health and promotes your productivity. It is particularly important that the lighting meets the requirements of your specific activity. Desk work, for example, requires a higher illuminance than meeting rooms.
Did you know that in Germany there are clear regulations for workplace lighting? The Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) and the standard DIN EN 12464-1 stipulate that workplaces must be illuminated sufficiently brightly, without glare, and adapted to the respective activity. Both brightness in lux and the avoidance of reflections and shadows play an important role.
The requirements include:
- Sufficient brightness (in lux): For screen work, at least 500 lux applies, for technical detailed work even 750 lux.
- Glare-free lighting
- Avoidance of reflections and shadows
- Adaptation to the respective activity
If the lighting in your office does not meet legal standards, you should report it to your employer. This applies to both your workplace in the office and in your home office.
Tips for proper workplace lighting
A well-lit workstation avoids shadows, glare, and contrasts that can quickly tire your eyes. The quality of light influences not only your visual comfort, but also your concentration and performance. A mixture of direct and indirect lighting is ideal.
We have listed some tips for ergonomic workplace lighting here:
-
Place light sources to the side:
Avoids shadows and glare on the screen -
Use flexible light:
Dimmable desk lamps help adjust light intensity individually -
No direct overhead lighting:
Diffused light is gentler on your eyes -
Avoid reflections:
Matte surfaces, screen protectors, and viewing-angle neutral monitor placement help your eyes stay relaxed – especially with artificial light or changing daylight.
Ergonomic light not only increases performance but also well-being. Whether in the office or home office – with the right brightness, light color, and as little glare as possible, you work healthier and more focused.
