We live in an age where businesses are being held accountable for their environmental impacts. We’ve been making small changes at home for years, but we’re finally turning out attention to the big guys. And, why shouldn’t we? Our efforts are just a drop in the ocean compared to the changes companies could make.
One the main thing many businesses are focusing on is the need to reduce electricity use. A worthy cause, we’re sure you’ll agree. But, one which could prove a mistake if you aren’t careful. For the most part, businesses owners are making efforts to turn their lights off. In truth, though, proper lighting in the workplace is essential if you care about your employees at all. And, let’s be frank; you should.
So, that leaves you in an awkward position. You want to do your bit, but you also have a responsibility to your team. What’s the right answer? Well, we can tell you now that switching off the lights isn’t it. Instead, you’d be better turning to energy saving bulbs or an ethical electricity supplier. It may cost more, but here are some pressing reasons why it’s worthwhile.
A dark office doesn’t promote health and safety
As an employer, you already know how vital health and safety is. It’s one of the first things you probably researched when you knew you were taking staff on. Get this wrong, and you could face a personal injury lawyer with a strong case. And, that is NOT what you want. As well as costing in legal fees and compensation, a case like this could do untold damage to your reputation. You’d certainly struggle to find replacement employees after word got out.
Though you might not think it, lights make a huge difference to safety in the office. Even if you have large windows, visibility can be bad. And, if a member of staff tripped because of that, they’d be within their rights to make a claim. This alone should be motivation to keep lights blaring during working hours. Your colleagues deserve to feel safe at work, and they aren’t going to feel very secure tiptoeing around a dark office.
Light promotes a better working environment
If you still aren’t convinced, consider that light is proven to create better working environments. No artificial light can mimic the benefits of the sun. But, studies show “blue-enriched” light bulbs that are 17,000K can increase work productivity. In fact, bulbs like these impact everything from mental activity to alertness. And, the benefits aren’t only psychological. Such lights also lower melatonin, the hormone which makes us sleepy. In fact, you could go as far as to say they wake us up as much as a cup of coffee.
And, of course, lighted working conditions will help on a practical level. If your staff are working in the dark, it’s only natural that they’ll make a fair few errors along the way. With that in mind, do you really want to flip that switch?