An office worker, on average, spends eight to ten hours a day during the week in the office. Proper lighting is essential not only for proper vision, but it affects the worker and the office in many other ways. Quality lighting not only controls how well your employees can see what they are working on, but can affect mood, and overall health of your workers.

Poor and improper lighting will result in fatigue, tired and burning eyes, headaches, and eyestrain. These in turn can evolve into sick days and missed work. While in the office, these problems simply turn into poor productivity, making the company lose money in the long run.

Any good lighting scheme will include natural sunlight as much as possible. This is the quality of light the mind and the eye are best suited for, and will give the least problems. However, in many cases, sunlight isn’t possible, and even when there is adequate window light, it is still not sufficient to fulfil all of the office lighting needs.

Secondary lighting should come from a general, broad light source, such as traditional overhead lighting. And finally, lighting for specific areas and tasks need to be added to supplement the general lighting. This type of lighting will include desk lamps, reading lamps, wall and floor lamps, accent lighting, etc.

Lighting should also be selected that fits and complements the overall decor of the office. Besides the utilitarian function of good lighting, proper attention to light styles and sources can do a lot to give the office an appealing ambiance. Special attention to lighting should be given to locations such as the reception area, conference rooms, etc. where guests to your office will frequent. A well thought out lighting design can go a long way to making that great first impression.

And finally, lighting should be energy and cost efficient, and easy to control to suit the task at hand. Modern light fixtures and bulbs have come a long way in providing proper light without being a drain on our precious natural resources.

Choosing the right light for your office is an important decision, and one that can help improve your bottom line in productivity, absenteeism, impressing new clients, and energy costs.

In the U. K., office environments differ from business to business, however, certain regulations should always be maintained no matter the size or scope of the company. Health and safety regulations are in place in office locations to assist both the employer and the employees. These regulations will be enforced to the strict letter of the law and no provisions will be taken if they are disobeyed. It is the responsibility of every member of the office, manager and worker alike, to make sure these regulations are not violated and a safe and healthy work environment persists.

Whether the business is just getting started or a long-established company wants to take a look at its office conditions, regular checks for health and safety should always be taken. Risk assessment consultants recommend a monthly audit of all necessary precautions and that adequate paperwork should be retained, including statements regarding employee training.

There are a series of key elements to remember regarding office safety regulations in the U. K. Check to make sure the business is registered with the Health and Safety Executive or a local authority depending on the business model. This will insure that full compliance is attained and monitored. Be sure the business has Employers’ Liability Compulsory Insurance and make sure the certificate is displayed. Make sure someone competent is working for the company to meet health and safety duties. This person can be an external consultant, but does not have to be. Establish a health and safety policy. This will inform management and employees on the proper regulations required by law. Perform a risk assessment about the business. This is basically an attempt at figuring out what in the office could harm people. Put sensible controls in place including training sessions if necessary. Basic welfare facilities are mandatory. This includes toilets, washing areas and clean drinking water. Display all relevant poster and leaflets required by law. Finally, be sure to report and safety violations, accidents or diseases as they happen to the necessary authorities.

Regardless of whether the operation is a large organisation or a small firm, risk management is a priority, especially in the U. K. Health and safety obligations contribute to a strong workplace as well as corporate social responsibility. It limits unwanted expenses in litigation and also boosts employee morale, knowing that the company they work for cares for their well being.

Whether you work from home or work from an office you spend a lot of time behind your desk. The wrong position can wreak havoc on your entire body. Tension builds up in your back, circulation is cut off to your legs, you’re a mess- so what do you do about it? Get ergonomic.

How to Set Your Self Up Right

Proper sitting position can help you improve your physical well-being and improve your performance at work. An uneasy body can be severely incapacitated long before you even realize there is a problem. Sitting in a comfortable but well supported position keeps your blood flowing and your mind functioning well. A few points to consider when taking a closer look at your current office situation are:

1: Your Seat

Does your chair have proper lumbar support? A good chair is well worth the cost you pay for it. Make sure it has adjustable support for lower back, and fits your body and supports your shoulders as well. Keep your chair in proper working order. Little tilts can mean you have to compensate for movements and hold the chair steady putting further stress on yourself.

2: Level of Activity

Make sure your arms are held at a proper 45 degree angle and your wrists appropriately bent. A good ergonomic keyboard and a desk with an adjustable rather than stationary keyboard holder will make it easier to place yourself in the correct and comfortable position.

3: The Eyes Have it

Eyestrain is a common problem for people who spend a lot of time behind a computer screen. The height of your monitor and distance from your seat will make a big difference in your comfort and well-being. Getting an adjustable monitor stand can allow you to raise and lower your monitor so it is at perfect eye level as well as move it forward or back easy to adjust for your position.

4: Pain in the Neck

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints of office workers but rarely to people understand that neck pain is not often caused by neck position but rather arm and wrist position. Strain on the upper back and shoulders makes muscles in the neck bunch to compensate and develops spasms and knots. Adding adjustable arms supports added to your work station as well as ergonomic keyboards help reduce arm and shoulder strain and ease the pressure on your neck muscles.

5: Wrist pain

Carpel tunnel is the most common work related injury and it is avoidable. A good keyboard station, an ergonomic mouse pad that allows easy fluid movement and is curved to move the wrist instead of holding it in a stationary position are all easy to accomplish things that will relieve pressure on that sensitive tendon in your wrists.

Paying attention to the little things that keep your body comfortable and supported will ensure you have a long productive life free and be the successful person you know you can be.