4 Ways Light Filters Benefit Businesses

Millions of Americans work in offices, and most office environments are still designed the way they have been for decades. Areas where employees spend most of their time typically include standard fluorescent lighting. While fluorescent lights are cost effective and energy efficient, recent studies have linked them to health issues.

Scientific research indicates that long-term exposure to fluorescent lights can lead to issues that include impaired vision, eyestrain, dizziness, and vertigo. Over time, workers may also experience a range of symptoms that impact productivity. Many companies now install light filters that create a healthier, more pleasant work experience with these issues in mind.

1. Reduce Headaches Caused by Lights

Office lights are often the cause of employees’ headaches. Artificial lighting has been linked to several issues that include:

• Tension headaches. Mild to moderate pain slowly builds in the head, creating a feeling that there is a band around the head.
• Migraine headaches. Constant exposure to harsh fluorescent lights can induce migraine headaches that cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and visual disturbance.
• Cluster headaches. Although less common than migraine or tension headaches, cluster headaches are usually more severe. Employees commonly develop pain behind one eye or on the side of their heads.

Businesses can help reduce worker headaches by providing as much natural light as possible. Installing affordable light filters also eliminates the harsh glare that contributes to headaches.

2. Provide Quality Light in Windowless Offices

Ideally, offices should include plenty of windows that provide natural light. The sun’s light is essential for regulating hormones that impact moods and sleep.

Unfortunately, fluorescent lights create more blue light than the sun, so they do not provide the benefits of the sun’s full spectrum of light. Installing filters can alter fluorescent lights and reduce blue light emission, providing full-spectrum light and all its advantages.

3. Modify Lights Associated with Health Issues

Many employees spend so many hours working under artificial light that they rarely see the sun. They arrive at work when it’s dark and leave when it’s dark. That means they are exposed to unhealthy fluorescent lights for long stretches of time. Without filters, artificial lights can lead to problems that include:

• Stress and anxiety related to cortisol imbalances
• Disruption of the endocrine and immune system
• UV exposure
• Increased risk of tumours and breast cancer
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

4. Improve Employee Productivity

Light in a business environment has a considerable impact on employees’ moods, energy, and health, all of which affect productivity. When employers use filters to modify artificial lights, they create a more worker-friendly environment.

Filters can correct harsh lights that create glare associated with eyestrain and employee fatigue. Softer lights make it easier to concentrate. They also produce a more attractive workspace, which has a subtle, but crucial impact on workers’ attitudes. Studies show that investing in light filters leads to happier, healthier employees who are more focused and stay on task.

Businesses often choose fluorescent lights because they are energy efficient and affordable. However, they can also lead to various physical issues, including headaches, eyestrain, fatigue, and sleep disruption. Installing light filters can resolve the problems by reducing unhealthy blue light produced by fluorescent fixtures.