October 12, 2023
In a research poll of 1,614 North American employees, a Harvard Business Review article revealed the number one ranked office perk is natural light and views of the outdoors! The University of Texas backs up this poll with a study that suggests workers who are placed near a window are 80% happier! This prompted us to wonder, what other benefits are there to natural light exposure in the workplace?
Increased Efficiency and Productivity in the Workplace
43% of employees who work exclusively in artificial light environments report feeling eye strain, headaches, and overall gloomy. Happy employees are productive employees, it’s really that simple. Studies have shown that natural light exposure and being able to see the outdoors increases both satisfaction and productivity. Satisfied employees stay with companies longer, avoiding costly employee turnover.
Increased Health via Natural Light
The importance of vitamin D has come to the forefront in health over the last several years. Vitamin D has been shown to support muscle function, brain cell activity, and immune health, in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties. Regular sunlight exposure increases vitamin D levels, and simultaneously decreases issues like seasonal effective disorder that can plague workers who spend their entire day in artificial light environments.
Increased Mood and Energy are a Benefit Too
47% of employees who are not exposed to natural light in their work environment report feeling tired. A study conducted in the Netherlands found that people who were exposed to natural light during the workday felt more energetic and less stressed. In addition to the welcoming, upbeat vibe that workspaces that incorporate natural light create, natural light exposure also keeps employees alert and stimulated.
Better Sleep as a result of Natural Light in the Workplace
The National Sleep Foundation reports that workers who have lots of natural light exposure during the workday report better quality sleep than their artificial light counterparts. Exposure to natural light helps to maintain circadian rhythms that control our awake and asleep cycles.
These studies all agreed that the myriad of benefits persists long after workers leave the office. So, the exposure to natural light and ability to look out a window while working provides high levels of overall life satisfaction.
Red Oak Coworking Office Suites at 409 Elm Street in Manchester NH are luxury lifestyle office suites, many with floor to ceiling or oversized windows, where you can be successful and productive. Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s largest city, this location offers office suites, Team Suites, conference rooms and dedicated desks. Amenities here include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, business center, off-street parking with available EV charging stations, and a reception area with greeter.
Also available is our 66 Hanover Street location downtown, which offers a variety of workspaces ranging from private or shared offices to open space coworking desks with parking nearby. Both locations have kitchen space, free coffee, tea and filtered water, free utilities and WiFi, and janitorial services. Lounge areas and conference rooms are also available. Contact Red Oak Coworking for more information.