Throwing Some Light on the Workplace Throwing Some Light on the Workplace By Peter. Lighting for today's workplace is distinctly different from what has been acceptable in the past. The average ambient light levels in most offices are too high.
Studies now call for reduced ambient lighting, supplemented by adjustable task lighting.
Lighting comfort levels vary considerably with both the task and the individual. As people age, their visual abilities change and they need higher lighting levels for task work. Another important factor in visual comfort is contrast. That black letters on a white screen are easier to read than white on black has been widely publicized, but the concept of contrast goes beyond this simple rule. Contrast between the task object and the immediate background must be sufficient to allow the worker to view the task easily.