Posted by Allyson Miller on May 31, 2021

Why Natural Light Matters in the Workplace

Offices Commercial Innovations

When it comes to office spaces, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers, fluorescent lighting tends to dominate the field. But compared to natural lighting, fluorescents just don't get the job done — or at least, not done as efficiently.

 

Recent studies have found that natural light can boost a person's energy by as much as 24%. And in similar studies, a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in productivity was found in workplaces with abundant daylight.

 

In the US alone, businesses lose more than $150 billion annually in productivity as a result of employee fatigue due to lack of daylight, according to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research.

 

In other words: it's time to start incorporating skylights into your commercial designs!

 

A Daylit Commercial Success Story

Using daylight as primary lighting in office and commercial buildings greatly reduces the risk of business disruption during power outages. Not only does this greatly increase public health and safety during emergencies that may involve electric disruptions, but it can also help in overall costs for the business.

 

Take, for example, the Lockheed Martin facility in Sunnyvale, California. After incorporating daylighting, the company achieved 15% higher worker productivity, winning them a $1.5 billion defense contract which paid for the entire building. As an added bonus, the company saves $300,000 to $400,000 a year on energy bills.

 

Not convinced? Check out these other commercial daylighting success stories!

 

Commercial Skylights for Offices & Warehouses

When it comes to commercial buildings, VELUX has three daylighting style options: Commercial DomesCommercial Structural Skylights, and Commercial Sun Tunnels. Learn more and find technical information about the different dome, skylight, and sun tunnel models available on our website, or contact a VELUX Commercial Skylight Specialist directly for help with your next project.