LIGHTING AT COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS

Lighting requirements for computer workstations

Office work has changed significantly in recent years. And not just in the office – more and more employees and self-employed people have experienced this during the pandemic: mobile working, working from home, a private office instead of an open-plan space, the sofa, the dining table, the floor, the bed… But all these scenarios have one thing in common: the computer workstation. We’ve all been there: headaches, tired and watery eyes, flickering in front of your face. Among other things, this can be down to incorrect lighting at the workstation. In fact, there is even a Display Screen Equipment Regulation through which the legislator regulates lighting levels, glare, luminance limits and light distribution. 

But what does that mean for me at home? In an office, the employer is obliged to implement these measures as effectively as possible. How can I set up my computer workstation at home so that I can cope with it comfortably? 

 PRINCIPLES FOR LIGHTING AT A COMPUTER WORKSTATION

The right lighting for a computer workstation isn’t just about health and safety. It also boosts well-being, and thus motivation and productivity. 

PRINCIPLES

• A prerequisite for working at a computer screen is an even and shadow-free distribution of light in the room.
• The desk/workstation or monitor should be positioned at a 90° angle to the window through which daylight enters the room.

Depending on the premises, you may also need suitable artificial lighting of sufficient quality and brightness. Here are the most important factors to consider when setting up your computer workstation in terms of lighting! 

• Daylight factor: make the most of it wherever possible! Make targeted use of glass doors, windows, skylights and glass blocks. At the same time, ensure there is protection against glare and sunlight and, where possible, pay attention to the orientation. 
• For uniform and balanced general lighting, light-colored walls and reflective surfaces are beneficial, as they distribute the light evenly, indirectly and without glare. 
• The appropriate illuminance: the measure of brightness per square metre at a measuring point in the room. This naturally depends on the specific workplace; for computer workstations, an illuminance of approx. 500 lux is recommended.

• The right color of light is also a key factor in good task lighting. Color temperature has a significant impact on our well-being and circadian rhythm. For a stimulating and pleasant working atmosphere, a color temperature of 3000 Kelvin or higher is recommended. For a cosy evening on the sofa, for example, warm white 2200–2700 Kelvin is a good choice.
• Color rendering: a high CRI does not merely indicate the quality of the light source. It is also crucial when, for example, proofreading work is to be carried out (keyword: color or contrast corrections). Here, the Workplace Regulations stipulate a CRI of at least 90; general office lighting should have a color rendering index of at least 80. 
• Anti-glare properties: another factor to consider when planning the lighting solution for a computer workstation. Lamps and light sources should always be positioned so that they do not cause glare, reflections or mirroring under any circumstances. If, for example, a light source is reflected directly in the monitor from behind, people often try to avoid the reflection by adjusting their seating position. This is not only annoying but can also lead to long-term poor posture and, consequently, pain. 

HCL – HUMAN CENTRIC LIGHTING

Lighting at computer workstations is, as is so often the case, the result of many factors working together. The focus should always be on the individual and their well-being. After all, it is now widely recognised that light and light quality have a significant impact on performance and productivity. It is therefore not surprising that many companies are opting for a professional HCL concept. The trend is moving slowly but surely towards dynamic lighting control, which allows the intensity, color and direction of light to be adjusted. In some cases, this mimics the entire course of a day, from sunrise to sunset. This is a great solution for spaces that offer little or no natural daylight. 

Of course, this is certainly difficult to implement within your own four walls when setting up a home office – that much is clear. This is particularly true if, for example, you have to use your living room.

In most cases, this means setting up and clearing away work materials several times a day. The dining table then serves not only as a workspace, but is also used for eating, playing with the children or preparing meals. As a result, your lighting needs and expectations can vary completely over the course of a single day. This makes lighting design for the home a real challenge!

However, there are already very simple and, above all, highly efficient solutions available for the home. In the SEGULA range, you will find light sources with Ambient Dimming – with these light sources, you can adjust the brightness and color of light to suit your needs. The technology allows the light source to alter not only the intensity of the light but also the color of light.

Overall, the Ambient light sources offer a color spectrum ranging from 1700 to 3000 Kelvin. Perfect, then, for meeting all your needs at home. Whether for your ‘private’ computer workstation or those cosy evenings after work!