Lighting: delivering workspaces of the future

The benefits of implementing next-generation technologies have long formed a compelling case for an upgrade in workplace lighting. With increasing focus on ensuring such systems are fit for purpose, now and in the future due to the changing face of office occupancy, this presents an opportunity for electrical contractors, says Tamlite Lighting’s Managing Director, John Allden.

As the pandemic eases and the recovery starts, hybrid working is now widely accepted as the working model of choice. A recent survey by Willis Towers Watson found that 41% of the workforce will embrace splitting their working hours between home and the office, whilst businesses do not anticipate a return to pre-pandemic, full-time working practices, with 85% predicting a return to the workplace for only employees who want to by the end of the year[1] .

However, the death of the office should not be exaggerated, and despite a slower ‘return to normal’ than expected, staff still have a strong desire to spend time in the office. This is backed up by the findings of research carried out by LifeSearch, which found 36% of those polled would prefer to be in the workplace on a full-time basis[2] . Reflecting this, office occupancy rates are continuing to rise as momentum for returning to the office gathers pace.

In the face of the change in working practices, business owners and building managers alike need to prepare for reduced occupancy levels and changes in density ratios. The requirement for flexible buildings and more sophisticated building management places increased demands on core systems such as heating, ventilation, and lighting. Bearing this in mind, it’s arguable that there has never been a better time for building managers to review core building systems and ensure that they are fit for purpose, now and in the future.

Taking control

Whether it is a large office complex or small business studio, lighting remains one of the most fundamental services, given that it can be intrinsically supportive of more variable occupancy levels, supportive of employee wellbeing, and capable of delivering major energy and carbon savings often in return for relatively small investments.

From an electrical contractor’s perspective, there is a clear opportunity to talk to customers about how you can help them prepare for the ‘new’ normal, and create comfortable, productive, and safe office environments. The key to achieving this will be investment in the integration of the latest lighting control systems.

As an example, installing PIR sensors will ensure that lighting is not used unnecessarily when the room is unoccupied by dimming or switching off the fittings, while advanced controllers – such as daylight dimming sensors – allow the output of the luminaires to be adjusted in accordance with natural light levels. Beyond that, a network which connects all of the fittings and sensors to a centralised control system allows building managers to establish lighting states and settings that suit the preferences of different groups of workers. Integrated systems like this also make it much easier to track energy usage and identify further ways in which consumption can be reduced.

Companies who move in this direction can also be buoyed by the realisation that they are helping to ensure the wellbeing of their employees – an issue that is also certain to remain high on the agenda for some time to come. Once again, the latest smart lighting networks are part of the solution, with tunable systems allowing the intensity and hue of lights to be adjusted for the comfort of the workforce, boosting concentration, focus and productivity.

Seeking solutions

The commissioning of intelligent lighting systems in modern offices could be seen by many as a complex and time-consuming affair, which is why it makes sense to engage with a specialist lighting company at the earliest possible stage of a project, since it will be able to provide access not only to the latest solutions but also guidance on lighting design.

As a specialist in designing and supplying office solutions, Tamlite has worked closely with electrical contractors to deliver perfectly lit workspaces. The company’s years of experience has helped it build an understanding of every kind of office space so it can provide solutions that deliver the right light in the right place; whether it is a communal space, single desk, meeting room or reception area. Tamlite also understands how light can bring about the most positive of outcomes for both the business and its employees, and the company’s technical team offers customers the expertise and experience required to provide the right lighting solution for each project.

Business owners and building managers need to prepare for reduced occupancy levels and changes in density ratios

The key aim of lighting in working environments is to assist workers and students focusing on individual tasks Tamlite’s VISION AIR is a combination of traditional lighting controls and the latest in wireless technology

New designs

The increasing demands placed on office lighting has also informed the development of new services and systems, and Tamlite’s office lighting product range continues to evolve, delivering a powerful combination of performance and efficiency.

EDGE – Tamlite’s new linear luminaire – is the latest addition to its range and has been designed to create a comfortable working environment. It offers flexible design options to suit any office environment with three variants available; a surface module, or a suspended linear system that can be standalone or part of a continuous system.

The key aim of lighting in working environments is to assist workers and students focusing on individual tasks – it is vital that the lighting does not hinder productivity and workplace wellbeing. To this end, EDGE is designed with Tamlite’s I-Tech diffuser specifically to reduce glare, meeting BS EN-12464 compliance. It is also compatible with the company’s wireless lighting control network, Vision Air. This offers users control over the lighting system, providing the ability to customise pre-set scenes, monitor energy usage, and report on emergency lighting.

Made in Britain

EDGE has been designed, manufactured, and made in the UK. Tamlite is a proud member of Made in Britain, an organisation that supports and promotes British manufacturing, enabling buyers and consumers to identify British-made products.

Alongside supplying high quality lighting solutions, the company believes much of its success is having extensive research and development, testing and manufacturing facilities based in the heart of Britain.

Every part of the business is underpinned with the British culture of quality, unparalleled service and value, and as the company has grown, it has stayed committed to these pillars. They provide the foundations on which Tamlite continues to innovate and push the boundaries of lighting technology and development

Re-thinking how we talk about light to commercial property owners and operators is key. And Tamlite is here to help its customers do that. With an ever-growing focus on improving the office-based worker experience, the needs of end-users in this area can be achieved through the power of smarter lighting.

Tamlite Lighting, tamlite.co.uk

[1] https://www.willistowerswatson.com/ en-GB/News/2021/08/the-future-is-hybridas-employers-plan-for-post-pandemicworking-patterns

[2] https://www.lifesearch.com/hwh

Flexible linear solution for Office & Education.

Surface, suspended and continuous versions

Direct/indirect or direct only distribution

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BLACK GREY WHITE

Up to 125 lumens per Watt efficacy