What is Human-Centric Lighting and why your office needs it

Have you ever walked into your office on a dreary Monday morning and wished the lighting could do a bit more than just illuminate your desk?

The right lighting affects not only how you see the world but also how you feel and perform.

Let's see how it can transform your office space.

What is Human-Centric Lighting?

Human-centric lighting, often abbreviated as HCL, is a lighting system designed to enhance well-being and performance by aligning lighting with human biological and emotional needs. It combines both daylight and artificial sources to maintain the right light at the right time.

The idea is pretty straightforward — use the power of light to improve various aspects of our lives. Scientific studies have shown that light impacts us far beyond vision, affecting our emotional and biological rhythms.

With options like tunable white light and dynamic lighting systems, HCL aims to enhance visual comfort and working conditions. By adopting this approach, offices can simulate different times of day, helping employees stay alert and focused throughout their workday.

In offices with limited access to natural light, HCL becomes especially important. It helps mimic the natural daylight cycles, reducing fatigue and boosting concentration.

Benefits of Human-Centric Lighting in the office

Human-centric lighting (HCL) is a science-backed approach to improving our daily lives. From jump-starting your brain like a cup of coffee to tucking you in with warm ambience at the end of the day, HCL is like the light therapist you never knew you needed.

In offices, HCL proves invaluable. Here's how HCL transforms workplaces:

Improved mood and well-being

Human-centric lighting supports not just your sight but also your outlook on life. Scientific studies have shown that the right light boosts endorphin levels, promoting a positive mood.

Whether you're feeling blue or need a little pick-me-up after lunch, adjusting the lighting can make all the difference. It encourages hormonal changes that help regulate mood, reduce stress levels, and alleviate anxiety.

Studies show that adequate light affects the production of hormones such as serotonin (which improves mood) and melatonin (which regulates sleep), leading to improved mood and reduced stress.

Ordinary office lighting often neglects these non-visual effects of light.

When the light quality matches the ambience required by the human body, people react positively. The right lighting supports both our biological rhythms and emotional well-being.

Enhanced productivity

If you've ever noticed a dip in your ability to concentrate during certain hours, you're not alone. Traditional office lighting usually doesn't meet our biological needs throughout the day.

By implementing HCL, offices create an optimised working environment. Proper lighting reduces eye strain, enhances concentration, and allows for better focus on tasks, boosting productivity.

With a lighting design attuned to the circadian rhythm, everyone can complete their tasks more efficiently. Lighting control helps tune light dynamically, offering an optimal environment for diverse tasks and activities.

This kind of smart lighting harnesses LEDs connected via a DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) control system for flexible customisation according to specific requirements at designated times.

Better sleep cycles

As we've already established, aligning office lighting with natural light cycles helps maintain regular sleep patterns and circadian rhythm.

Proper lighting affects the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This can enhance sleep quality and reduce the risk of disorders linked to an incorrect sleep cycle.

When exposed to the right light, employees are less prone to experience burnout or a lack of rest.

The lighting system can seamlessly transition from cool, white light in the morning to warmer tones towards the end of the workday, replicating the natural decline of daylight.

This lighting helps balance melatonin production, improving the overall quality of sleep.

Implementing Human-Centric Lighting in the workplace

Integrating human-centric lighting into your office doesn't require magic — just a tad of planning and investment.

First, analyse existing lighting conditions and how they correspond with natural light. Consider how modern luminaires and smart lighting systems that offer tunable white light will fit the space.

Another good option to consider is acoustic lighting. Acoustic lighting from natural felt, for example, combines excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties without losing anything in terms of light quality.

If you want to ensure compatibility with advanced control systems, opt for LED lighting solutions. Adding elements such as dimming capability and glare reduction increases the visual comfort of the space.

Implementing HCL in an office is possible, even in existing spaces. Modern lighting systems can be easily integrated with the current infrastructure, making for a smooth transition to more tailored lighting solutions.

Once the infrastructure is in place, fine-tune lighting to achieve perfect hue and brightness combinations — be it calm morning illuminance or energetic midday tones.