A few months ago, a study conducted by a company in the construction industry stated that natural light influences the mood of 82% of Spaniards, something that directly affects productivity when applied to the workplace.

According to the survey data (which is part of a comprehensive report called The Indoor Generation, which highlights the importance of daily exposure to natural light), 7 out of 10 Spaniards say that exposure (or lack of exposure) to natural light affects their work performance.

Why is natural light so important? What are the shortcomings or consequences of poor or low exposure to natural light? Let’s start at the beginning…

This is how natural light affects your brain

According to experts, natural light is a stimulant that directly alerts our brain. The longer we are exposed to light on a daily basis, the more we notice its stimulating effect; the more powerful it becomes. We will be able to remain more alert and improve our cognitive abilities.

Therefore, as Dr. Steven Lockley (neuroscientist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School) says, “We will be more productive at work (offices, schools, hospitals, etc.), by taking advantage of these effects during the day.”

In addition, we must take into account that natural light influences the circadian rhythm of our body: during the day, it regulates the secretion of cortisol (a hormone that provides us with energy), and at night, it regulates the production of melatonin (a hormone that allows our body to relax and enjoy higher quality sleep).

So what happens to our circadian rhythm if we are not exposed to enough sunlight? We won’t secrete the cortisol and melatonin our brain needs at the right time. If this lag is prolonged over time, we may suffer alterations such as: chronic fatigue, depression, stress, memory loss, attention disorders, etc.

For all these reasons, it’s not difficult to imagine that natural light in the workplace is a key element to take into consideration.

How light affects productivity

Experts claim that there’s a direct connection between daylight and productivity at work. In fact, several studies have already shown that natural light and views to the outdoors increase performance in the working environment (in many different industries).

And there’s evidence of this, for example, in office employees who have achieved improved results of between 10% and 25% (in various psychological and memory tests carried out) when they have views of the outdoors and natural light in their workplaces.

Experts emphasize that a workplace illuminated by natural light will always be more conducive to productivity than one illuminated by artificial light. This is true both in terms of the quantity and quality of the work carried out.

Social relationships are also affected by access (or lack thereof) to natural lighting in the work environment. According to the data, work relationships in a workspace illuminated by natural light are more cordial, and employees are generally less likely to suffer from interpersonal stress.

In short, a workspace illuminated by natural light will always be conducive to certain key aspects:

• more and better concentration
• better assimilation of new concepts
• greater cooperation among workers
• increased stress tolerance
• less absenteeism
• increased efficiency
• etc.

Optimized spaces for improved results

In the end, it all comes down to the need to create more efficient spaces to optimize the results of our work teams. And this can also be transferred to the field of Market Research.

Results, motivation, concentration…will also depend on the scenario in which a market study, focus groups, product test, etc. is carried out. And in that space, natural light once again plays a fundamental role.

At Calma, we’re aware of its importance. That’s why light has been the key element on which we have based the design of our new spaces for Market Research in Madrid. We have therefore chosen spacious, flexible and one hundred percent customizable work environments, with large windows and fantastic outdoor terraces; perfect for a break, while enjoying a coffee, a pleasant chat and the best views of the Paseo de la Castellana.

We are convinced of how important it is to oversee and take care of every last detail of the setting where our market research will take place. And natural light is one of the assets that will guarantee its success.

Please contact us if you need further information on our spaces and services in Madrid and Barcelona. Of course, without any obligation.