Lighting the offices of the future

As the modern office changes, employers and staff alike are realising the value of workplaces that focus on creating a positive environment. Colin Lawson, Tamlite Lighting’s Head of Market Intelligence, explains why the flexibility of next-generation LED lighting and smarter controls is crucial in achieving this.

There is no denying that the pandemic has prompted changes in workplace behaviour, with hybrid working now a much more accepted concept. Yet CEOs around the world are increasingly optimistic about the future of offices.

Despite a slower ‘return to normal’ than expected, confidence in the global economy has returned to levels not seen since the start of the pandemic, and this means the number of businesses planning to reduce their office footprints has fallen dramatically over the last year. This is backed up by the findings of the latest KPMG CEO Outlook Survey*, with just 14% of UK CEOs now planning to downsize, or have already downsized, their organisation’s physical footprint - a dramatic shift from August 2020, when the first wave of the pandemic was at its peak.

What is certain is that companies retaining office space will want to use it more flexibly as part of the new hybrid working model.

There is increasing demand for healthier buildings that promote occupant wellbeing

Great expectations

This change takes place against a number of other challenges currently facing the built environment. Most notably is the UK Government’s target to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. There is also increasing demand for healthier buildings that promote occupant wellbeing, particularly from larger, socially conscious corporate organisations.

As businesses in the UK open their office doors en-masse, company owners and building managers alike will be keen to create pleasant office spaces that encourage people back into the workplace and promote wellbeing, whilst improving energy efficiency in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.

Bearing this in mind, it’s arguable that there has never been a better time to review core building systems and ensure that they complement more flexible working patterns. Lighting remains one of the most fundamental building facilities and should be at the very top of the priority list, given that the latest systems are intrinsically supportive of more variable and reduced occupancy levels, and are capable of major energy savings – often in return for relatively small investments.

From an electrical contractor’s perspective, there is a clear opportunity to make customers aware of how lighting can create comfortable, productive, and safe office environments.

How lighting can make a difference

Make the switch: Sadly, not all businesses are yet aware of the benefits of LED lighting. So, there is an important, and rewarding, opportunity to steer companies towards replacing outdated fluorescent lighting with the latest LED-based solutions. This will help eliminate glare and improve comfort in the office.

Health and wellbeing: Businesses are increasingly looking at how they can enhance their workspace for the benefit of employees. Offices designed with a more ‘human-centric’ approach to lighting can make them healthier, safer, and happier places. Installing lighting that can be tuned to operate in harmony with workers can help improve their overall wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety, thus increasing productivity and profitability.

Take control: With less people using the office space available, businesses will want to make sure that lighting is only used when it is needed. Lighting control systems add a level of flexibility that is vital in modern offices. For example, installing PIR sensors will ensure that the lights are not used when the room is unoccupied by dimming or switching off the fittings.

Make the most of natural light: Natural light is the most important type of light in any office. Daylight dimming reduces the output of the luminaires when natural light levels increase. Not only does this ensure that lights are only used when they are required, but also provides a more organic lighting design. This ensures that energy is not wasted, providing significant long-term energy savings.

Saving energy: Installing controls and sensors will allow businesses to make informed decisions about how their office space is being used and make changes to lighting schedules and settings. This can dramatically reduce energy consumption as the lights are only on when needed.

Re-thinking how we talk about light to our customers is key and it’s not as complicated as it seems. 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

*https://home.kpmg/uk/en/home/media/pressreleases/2021/09/global-ceo-confidence-returnsto-pre-pandemic-levels--kpmg-study.html

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