Sunlight has been shown to bring many benefits to people. This includes office employees, who spend much of their time at their desks throughout the day. Providing them with a boost of natural light with windows will not only keep them healthy, but also increase their productivity. To help you improve your bottom line, here are a few of the benefits of sunlight in a commercial space.

Reasons to Incorporate Natural Light In a Workplace

1. Improves Mood

Workers exposed to sunlight in the office report better quality of life and vitality than those in workplaces without windows. A lack of exposure to sunlight can also cause a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, which brings moodiness, depression, social withdrawal, and difficulty concentrating, which decrease performance. 

2. Mitigates the Effects of Blue Light

Employees who sit close to windows and are exposed to daylight feel more productive. The same study shows that offices that have windows result in an 84% decrease in conditions such as eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision due to prolonged computer use. This is because natural light diminishes the negative effects of blue light, which puts a strain in your workforce and inhibits productivity by forcing people to take breaks from their devices.

3. Regulates the Circadian Rhythm

A lack of sunlight affects the brain’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps the body regulate sleep. Too little of it will interrupt the circadian rhythm, resulting in irregular sleep patterns. An employee who hasn’t slept well will be less focused and alert. They may also be in a bad mood, which will affect their ability to provide friendly and helpful customer service. 

4. Provides Vitamin D

Sunlight supplies vitamin D, which promotes bone health. Low vitamin D levels can cause osteoporosis, which results in back pain. Since sitting for prolonged periods is also linked to back pain, an employee deficient in this vitamin can experience added discomfort that may decrease their performance.

5. Lowers Energy Costs

Windows harvest natural light, which means you’ll need less artificial lighting to illuminate your space during the day. This will allow you to significantly lower your electricity bill. To maximize this effect, you can include daylight sensors that automatically dim or turn off lights when sunlight floods a room. 

If you’re interested in adding windows to your office to reap these benefits, call Shepard’s Glass, Inc. With over 60 years of experience serving businesses and homeowners in the Flathead Valley, MT, and the surrounding areas, they can install the right fixtures for your needs. Whether you’re looking for glass sliding doors or window repairs, they can help. Visit their website to learn more about what they do or call (406) 755-4540 to discuss a project.