Lighting and temperature are two of the simplest—and most underestimated—things that can boost productivity. On the surface level, the concept seems simple: people are not motivated to work as hard if they are straining their eyes and are distracted with the temperature.

1. Temperature &
Lighting: It’s Impact
on Employee
Productivity

2. Lighting and temperature are two of the simplest—and most
underestimated—things that can boost productivity. On the surface level,
the concept seems simple: people are not motivated to work as hard if
they are straining their eyes and are distracted with the temperature.
It can, however, be difficult to justify the advantages of improving
productivity by simply making the space more comfortable. To that end,
here is a complied brief overview of how the environment, particularly the
lighting and the temperature, affects productivity.
How the Brain Reacts Differently to Natural and Artificial Lighting
In a recent study, researchers compared two groups of people—one
group was exposed to daylight, while the other was exposed to artificial
light over the course of several workdays. People who had natural light
were more attentive at the start of the evening, while those exposed to
artificial light were sleepier at the end of the evening.
Those who had artificial light also had a drop in their cortisol levels,
making them more stressed.

3. Extreme Temperature Harms Productivity
A study from Cornell University found that extreme temperature has a
negative impact on productivity. The researchers from the study tested
different temperatures at an insurance company, and found that when
the temperatures were low, employees made 44 percent more mistakes
than at optimal room temperature.
The problem here is not the cold. The problem is that the employees
were distracted. If they are feeling cold, they are using a substantial
amount of their energy to keep warm. The same goes for warmer
temperatures.
Controlling the Environment for Natural Light and Optimal
Temperature
With all this evidence on how natural light and optimal temperature helps
raise productivity, experts recommend the following things to help
control the environment: 1) using bigger windows, 2) installing a
programmable thermostat, and 3) using blinds.

4. Lighting and temperature surely play a huge
role in employee productivity. It is,
therefore, vital to make sure that the office
is well lit and comfortable for everyone
working in it.
Office lighting is an important factor of
employees’ productivity. It is therefore the
responsibility of every employer to make
sure that the office is well lit and comfortable
for everyone working in it.
SOURCES:
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/Conferences/EECE_IEQ%20and%20Productivit
y_ABBR.pdf
http://actionawnings.com.au/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/07/how-to-use-your-
shades-blinds-and-curtains-to-beat-the-heat/index.htm