Natural light and air quality; two crucial elements that largely affect office workers’ happiness and productivity. That’s because having plenty of natural light improves the office space and offers lots of physiological and psychological benefits.
Meanwhile, proper air quality ensures that employees breathe clean, fresh air, promoting health and cognitive function. As companies try to attract and retain top talent, investing in these two aspects can be invaluable in terms of employee satisfaction. Let’s take a breath and dive in.
Health benefits of natural light
Studies have highlighted the positive impacts of natural light exposure on human health and well-being. Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms, which govern our sleep-wake cycles and various biological processes. When exposed to natural light, our bodies are more likely to achieve restful sleep, which contributes to overall well-being. In addition, natural light is a rich source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and even mood regulation.
Research has also demonstrated that employees who work in environments with ample natural light experience reduced eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Natural light has been shown to:
- Boost mood
- Improve energy levels
- And help cognitive performance
Which ultimately contributes to a more engaged and focused workforce.
Optimising natural light in office spaces
By positioning workstations near windows or opting for open-plan layouts, natural light can penetrate deeper into the office space, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.
Additional solutions like:
- Adjustable shade
- Window films
- Or strategically placed light shelves
All help to mitigate glare while allowing sufficient natural light to enter the workspace. This helps manage the amount of light passing through, to your preference, giving you control over the resource.
Similarly, the office space at Maxis has been designed with glazed floor to ceiling windows to receive optimal natural light and provide a productive work environment.
Enhancing indoor air quality
In addition to natural light, maintaining optimal indoor air quality is just as important for employee health and productivity. Poor air quality can lead to health issues, if left unchecked, ultimately impacting overall productivity and absenteeism rates.
Bringing the outdoors in
Incorporating biophilic design elements, which aim to connect occupants with nature, can further improve the air quality and overall ambience of office spaces.
- Indoor plants
They not only add aesthetic appeal but also serve as natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.
- Water features
Accessories such as indoor fountains or living walls, can introduce soothing ambient sounds and increase humidity levels, creating a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
- Natural materials like wood, stone, and greenery
Integrating this into the office space design can provide a visual and tactile connection to nature, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of well-being among employees.
Grade-A office space in the perfect working environment
Maxis is proud to be rated BREEAM ‘Excellent’, representing best practices for sustainability performance. In recent years, we have installed 46,444 sq ft of solar PV at Maxis, saving 238 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of planting 10,914 trees. To learn more about this or anything else covered in this blog, get in touch with us today.
