Royal Ahrend interior view of Inspiration Centre AIC in Amsterdam SP09.TIF

The power of light

At Ahrend, we explore how light affects well-being and work behaviour. From our theme 'working environment', we look at the interaction between innovative workspaces and the behaviour they stimulate: from concentrated work to creative collaboration. In this way, we create work environments that allow talent to grow, increase productivity and make a sustainable contribution to individual well-being and organisational success.

Let me introduce myself

These are the words of Associate Professor Dr. Karin Smolders, affiliated with Eindhoven University of Technology. She researches the impact of light and time on people's psychological functioning.

"I am researching how to make optimal use of technology in monitoring and management of well-being and health. Among other things, I focus on the effects of light that are not directly related to the performance of visual tasks. So not on the way we see and perceive our environment, but on non-visual processes. For example, on the effects of light on biological clock, sleep rhythm and performance.

In our lab, we systematically adjust the light settings and measure the effects on alertness and cognitive performance. During field research, we monitor the light exposure of participants: with light sensors that are worn on the clothing. In combination with questionnaires and other sensor data, we come up with new and surprising insights."

Hormone Influence by Light

"One of the topics I am working on is the influence of light on our biological clock. In addition to cones and rods for seeing colour and contrast, the human eye has a third receptor, which is connected to the biological clock in our brain.

Light serves as a time signal for our biological clock. It regulates all kinds of body processes, including hormone balance. This 'master clock' also tells our brain when it's time to go to bed. This is done by producing melatonin, the hormone of the dark. Light regulates the timing of sleep and wakefulness, and can have a direct impact on alertness, sense of vitality, and mood.

A disruption of the biological clock can manifest itself in a disturbed sleep-wake rhythm. This can result in a bad mood and drowsiness. It leads to deterioration of functioning during the day; Think of difficulty concentrating, reduced self-control and negative mood. Research also shows that a long-term disruption of that rhythm increases the risk of obesity and depression."

Light as a basis for health

"Light is a crucial factor for our health, but unfortunately it is often forgotten or unknown as a lifestyle factor. Light not only transmits a time signal to our biological clock, but also affects alertness and cognitive performance. A well-adjusted internal clock promotes energy, mood and therefore our well-being.

It is well known that light has an impact on the visual system, but the non-visual effects of light are less known. Light can affect visual performance and comfort. It can also have an impact on non-image-forming processes, such as sleep regulation, alertness and energy. We have to pay attention to this, although in practice it is not always easy. Our internal clock does not always match the external clock. For example, due to irregular working hours or lecture hours. And many people often sleep at different times on weekends than during the week.

Many are not so aware of the effect of light exposure on their daily functioning. In office environments, optimizing lighting conditions can contribute to better performance and more comfort. You can think of a workplace close to the window, but usually not everyone can sit there. A walk in the open air during the break also contributes to healthy light exposure.

There are even more options for a healthy working environment: efficient design of an office space and artificial lighting solutions. Then take into account light levels, spectrum and distribution in the room: bright light can support alertness, but is not always pleasant. The biological clock works optimally thanks to a clear contrast in light exposure: high levels during the day, low levels in the evening, darkness at night.

Increased exposure to the activating effects of blue light during the day can help reduce fatigue. Adjustable lamps offer a smart option: higher light levels in the morning and switch to warmer low beam in the evening."

Optimal use of light in the workplace

"In addition to light, there are other environmental factors that can affect the well-being and performance of employees. For example, temperature, noise pollution and air quality; It is logical and sustainable, and healthy for employees, to adjust those factors as needed. Research also shows that exposure to nature – plants – helps with stress recovery. So you can also take this into account when designing the office.

However, light remains a determining parameter, especially in relation to sleep. It is therefore good to measure the exact light conditions of the various office spaces. This way you can adjust the interior accordingly. Daylight is usually seen as the optimal light source, as long as it does not lead to glare and the sun does not shine too brightly into your eyes. So it is wise to make optimal use of it in offices. Pay attention to the positioning of workstations in relation to the window and invest in blackout options to block out annoying light.

Royal Ahrend interior view of Inspiration Centre AIC in Amsterdam SP08.TIF

Royal Ahrend office project interior view of Zeekr in Amsterdam SP03

Thanks to multiple measurements – at different times and in different seasons – you can get a better idea of the influence of light on certain workplaces. This helps you to make optimal use of the incidence of daylight in the office design; Think of smart lighting systems, so that less bright light shines at windows than in the middle of the office. It is also a sustainable solution for your energy bill and an impactful adjustment for the biological clock of all employees.

Every workplace deserves a good lighting design. Current norms and standards for office lighting are mainly aimed at supporting visual tasks. Research suggests that higher levels are needed. We do not yet know exact values for the amount of light. But we do know that the levels we are typically exposed to in the office are significantly lower than the levels outside. This has an impact on the timing and quality of sleep, concentration and energy level."

The home office in the spotlight

"People still work from home a lot. Home workplaces offer both opportunities and challenges for efficient design. Working from home can give you more flexibility to take a walk in the daylight in the afternoon. But flexibility in working hours also allows you to work longer in the evening; This can have a negative impact on the sleep rhythm.

Pay the same attention to lighting design at home as in the office. In our studies, we saw that the effects of light on alertness vary from person to person. They are partly dependent on the task performed and on a person's fatigue. People working from home may be able to respond more flexibly to this and adapt their work rhythm more easily to their biological clock."

Royal Ahrend interior view of Showroom in Sint Oedenrode SP28

Light therapy and personal responsibility

"Light therefore affects alertness and cognitive performance. Research shows that light therapy can help reduce depressive symptoms. In this therapy, people sit behind a special lamp with high light levels, usually in the morning. The effects of this are promising and show that we need to invest in light exposure in our daily living environment. Employees can also do a lot themselves, so take them with you and offer them the space to do so during working hours."

Tips for a healthier light environment and more energy from light exposure

Expose yourself to a large amount of light in the morning, but avoid glare.
In the evening, keep light exposure to a minimum.
Set up your workplace near a window, preferably with the direction facing the window.
Make optimal use of daylight and choose lighting that offers a higher level in the office than current standards
Purchase adjustable lighting systems so that lighting conditions better meet the needs of employees and contribute to a well-functioning biological clock.

It's about the climate, but also about sustainable employability of employees. Optimal environmental conditions have a direct impact on our well-being. As an employer, you can respond smartly to this and invest in a good working environment for the long term. Do you also want to invest in a more efficient workplace for your employees?