As businesses navigate rising costs in 2025, effective workplace design is becoming essential in transforming office space from a financial burden into a strategic asset. A critical yet often overlooked element in this transformation is lighting. The right lighting design can enhance mood, productivity, and overall health, while poor lighting can lead to disengagement, fatigue, and even health issues.
The impact of lighting on wellbeing and productivity
'Your workplace lighting should match your vision for your people's experience,' states Sarah Payne, Head of Design at Kerr Office Group. A well-planned lighting scheme should cater to different types of work, offering adjustable lighting that allows employees to tailor brightness and colour to their personal comfort.
For those working extensively on screens, the ability to modify brightness and colour is crucial in reducing fatigue and eye strain. Many modern offices incorporate smart technology that adjusts lighting levels in sync with the natural progression of daylight, supporting circadian rhythms and enhancing wellbeing. Where this technology is not available, organisations can introduce cool lighting in the morning to promote alertness and warmer lighting in the afternoon to encourage relaxation and reflection.
Understanding the needs of a diverse workforce
A key aspect of workplace design is understanding employee needs, particularly those of neurodiverse colleagues. 'It's surprising how many businesses are unclear when it comes to the neurodiverse needs of their workforce,' Payne observes. Kerr Office Group recommends starting with a diversity survey to identify neurodiverse requirements. Many individuals may be unaware of their place on the neurodiverse spectrum, and raising awareness can improve comfort, trust, and engagement in the workplace.
Supporting neurodiverse employees is increasingly important. According to the CIPD, '1 in 5 people in the workforce is neurodiverse,' and with Gen Z becoming the dominant generation at work, 'over half of this cohort identify as neurodiverse.'
A well-designed lighting scheme can create a welcoming, comfortable, and inclusive workspace. Moving away from traditional panel lighting—known to be overstimulating for individuals with autism and epilepsy—is key. Providing personal control over lighting brightness and temperature can make a significant difference. Payne notes, 'This doesn't have to be an expensive addition, a dimmer switch can be just as effective as a more highly technical solution.' Additional elements such as floor lamps, muted colours, and diluted patterns can also help create a calmer and more accommodating workspace.
Top tips for inclusive lighting design
When designing a lighting strategy, businesses should consider the diverse needs of employees and the varied nature of their tasks:
- Focused tasks – Bright, cool lighting improves concentration and reduces eye strain. Adjustable brightness allows for adaptation to natural daylight.
- Collaboration – Softer, warmer lighting fosters creativity and open discussions by creating a relaxed atmosphere.
- Social breakouts – Dynamic, layered lighting supports relaxation and stress reduction while allowing for individual preferences.
'There is no "one size fits all" approach when it comes to inclusive light design,' Payne emphasises. A successful strategy integrates variety in brightness and temperature, balancing aesthetics with functionality to enhance workplace wellbeing and productivity.
More information:
Kerr Office Group
www.koguk.com