On average, we spend nearly one-third of our day in the office, yet one essential factor is often overlooked: lighting. Beyond simply helping people “see clearly,” lighting—especially natural light—directly affects how employees feel, focus, and maintain their energy throughout the workday.
According to research, 78% of employees reported that access to natural light and quality outdoor views improves their overall happiness and well-being (Source: Internet). A workplace designed with thoughtful lighting strategies not only helps employees feel more comfortable, but also supports a more stable working state and contributes to long-term performance and well-being. Join APES as we explore this topic further.
1. Natural Lighting in the Workplace
Natural light refers to illumination that comes from external environmental sources such as sunlight and daylight diffused through windows. In office design, natural lighting is not simply about “having windows,” but about:
2. The Impact of Natural Light on Employee Well-Being
2.1. Supporting the Natural Circadian Rhythm
Natural light plays an important role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm—the internal system that helps people recognize time throughout the day and adjust states of activity and rest accordingly.
When exposed to natural daylight, especially during working hours, people are more likely to:
In contrast, working in environments with limited natural light—or relying entirely on artificial lighting—can easily disrupt the body’s biological rhythm. This may lead to:
In practice, employees working in offices with access to daylight reported a 51% reduction in eye strain, 63% fewer headaches, and 56% lower levels of drowsiness (Source: Internet).
Bringing natural light into the workplace therefore not only improves immediate comfort, but also contributes to long-term health and stable work performance.
2.2. Reducing Stress and Visual Fatigue
In office environments, employees are constantly exposed to blue light emitted from computer screens for extended periods of time. This often leads to issues such as:
One reason is that artificial lighting typically has a limited light spectrum and maintains relatively constant intensity, while the eyes must continuously adjust when working with digital screens.
According to experts, around 50% of computer users experience symptoms of digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (Source: Internet).
In contrast, natural light has a full-spectrum composition and changes dynamically throughout the day. When properly distributed within a workspace, natural light helps to:
3.Challenges Caused by Insufficient or Poorly Distributed Natural Light
While natural light offers numerous benefits for employees’ health and well-being, more is not always better. If not properly controlled and distributed, natural light can negatively affect the workplace experience. In practice, some of the most common issues include:
Therefore, in workplace design, natural light should be carefully planned and controlled, rather than simply maximized.
4. How APES Integrates Natural Light into Workplace Design
Natural light delivers its full value only when it is intentionally planned, rather than simply utilized wherever available. At APES, natural light is not treated as an isolated technical element—it is an integral part of the overall workplace design strategy. This approach ensures that lighting is not only sufficient, but also aligned with the way people experience and use the space.
4.1. Optimizing Workstations Based on Natural Light Sources
Primary work areas are strategically positioned near windows or locations with the best access to natural daylight. At the same time, enclosed partitions are minimized to prevent blocking daylight from penetrating deeper into the workspace. This planning approach allows light to be distributed more evenly, creating a comfortable and consistent working environment throughout the day.
(Heineken Sales Office, Da Nang – Photo Credit: Phong Dang)
4.2. Selecting Materials That Enhance Natural Light
Materials play a crucial role in diffusing and reflecting natural light throughout a workspace. The use of clear or semi-transparent glass, along with surfaces that provide soft light reflectance, allows daylight to spread more effectively, reducing the contrast between overly bright and poorly lit areas.
(CMC Global Office – Photo Credit: APES)
4.3. Controlling Natural Light Throughout the Day
Natural light changes continuously throughout the day, making effective daylight control essential. Solutions such as blinds, sun-shading louvers, and flexible shading systems help regulate incoming light. These measures minimize glare, excessive brightness, and heat gain during periods of intense sunlight—particularly around midday—while maintaining a comfortable and consistent working environment.
4.4. Integrating Artificial Lighting
Natural light should be complemented by a well-designed artificial lighting system to ensure:
This combination creates a balanced lighting environment, ensuring a comfortable and uninterrupted working experience throughout the day.
(Esoft Vietnam Office – Photo Credit: Nguyen Thai Thach – Thien Thach Photo)
Natural light does more than enhance the appearance of a workspace—it is a fundamental element that directly influences employees’ health, well-being, and productivity.
At APES, we provide end-to-end office design and build solutions focused on the real experiences of the people who use the space every day—from lighting and spatial planning to operational efficiency. Get in touch with us to create a workplace that truly supports your business and your people.
