Keep Customers & Staff Happy with Better Lighting
Some people are more sensitive to lighting than others—but everyone notices poor lighting conditions when they see them. And if you’re a business owner, developer, or architect, the people spending time in your commercial spaces will feel it, too.
A study by Lutron in the UK found that 88% of respondents said workplace lighting was important to them—but 83% were frustrated by their current lighting. Even more concerning, 80% reported negative symptoms from poor lighting, including headaches, eye strain, and fatigue.
One of the biggest complaints? The inability to adjust lighting conditions themselves. Lighting plays a profound role in mental health and well-being—so why do so many commercial spaces overlook this critical component?
Let’s explore how to improve lighting conditions in your business to create a more comfortable, productive, and inviting space.
The Problem with Poor Commercial Lighting
If you’ve ever spent time in an office with harsh fluorescent overheads and no windows, you know how it feels—draining, uninviting, and even anxiety-inducing. Retail spaces with overly bright, cool-toned lights can be just as problematic, making customers feel self-conscious instead of relaxed.
According to Lutron’s research:
- 49% of employees have experienced headaches due to poor lighting.
- 48% have suffered from eye strain or irritation.
- 40% reported feeling tired as a direct result of bad lighting.
Lighting impacts more than just visibility—it affects mood, energy levels, and even sleep cycles. Northwestern Medicine found that office workers with more natural light exposure slept an average of 46 minutes more per night and reported higher overall well-being than those in darker workplaces.
So, how do we fix it?
The Solution: Smarter, More Dynamic Lighting
1. Layered Lighting for Comfort & Functionality
A well-designed space includes ambient, task, and accent lighting—not just overhead fluorescents. Layered lighting allows employees and visitors to enjoy a visually comfortable environment while ensuring proper illumination for different tasks.
2. Smart Lighting Control for Automated Adjustments
Lighting should mimic the natural progression of daylight—starting bright and cool in the morning and shifting to warmer, softer tones in the afternoon. With a lighting control system, businesses can automate these adjustments, providing an optimal atmosphere throughout the day without needing manual intervention.
For example:
- Conference rooms can feature wall-mounted keypads, allowing users to dim or brighten lights for presentations and meetings.
- Workstations can incorporate tunable white lighting, adjusting to employees’ needs.
3. Incorporate Natural Light with Motorized Shades
Natural light is one of the most important factors in commercial lighting design. But too much sunlight can cause glare across computer screens and video displays.
Motorized shades, integrated with lighting control, allow businesses to maximize daylight exposure while reducing glare and heat gain, ensuring a comfortable environment all day long.
Prioritize Lighting Design from the Start
Good lighting isn’t just an afterthought—it should be a priority in commercial design. Whether you’re developing a new office, retail space, or hospitality venue, investing in a well-designed, automated lighting system will improve employee productivity, customer experience, and overall well-being.
WH SmartHome, we specialize in high-performance lighting solutions, integrating premium brands like Lutron and Savant for fully customizable, human-centric lighting control. Ready to improve your business’s lighting?Contact us today to explore how better lighting can transform your commercial space!
