Impact of office light environment on mental health interventions for employees: An investigative analysis

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of work-related stress and mental health issues has become a global concern, particularly in developing countries. The light environment in office spaces, known to influence both visual and non-visual aspects of health, is a critical factor that needs further exploration for its potential in enhancing employees' psychological well-being.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to investigate the role of light environments in office spaces in influencing the psychological well-being of employees.MethodsThe study was conducted in 2 office locations in Shanghai and Dalian, China and analyzed data from 235 employees. Data on the effects of the light environment were self-reported by the participants, and the psychological well-being of the employees was measured on 2 dimensions (differences in color perception, and differences in perception between natural dynamic lighting and artificial static lighting). The effects of hue and lightness on employee psychology, and the effects of natural versus conventional static lighting on employee mood were analyzed.ResultsThe findings revealed that the hue and luminance of office spaces significantly affect employees' psychological satisfaction and emotional states. Specifically, natural dynamic lighting, which aligns with the natural photoperiod, was found to effectively reduce negative emotions such as anger and depression, offering a promising intervention for improving mental health in the workplace.ConclusionsThe light environment in office settings plays a significant role in mitigating mental health issues among employees. While the study confirms the positive effects of dynamic lighting on mental health, it also highlights the need for further interdisciplinary research to fully understand the complex mechanisms involved.