Natural daylight in the workplace plays a key role in employees’ health, well-being, and productivity—and is even required by law. This is because daylight influences our biological rhythms, regulates hormone balance, and has a positive effect on concentration, mood, and motivation.
Especially in the fall and winter or on overcast days, many people suffer from fatigue, headaches, and listlessness—often triggered by a lack of daylight. Studies show that people who get enough sunlight during the day are less likely to suffer from eye strain and exhaustion.
Legal requirements for daylight in the workplace
The Workplace Directive (ASR) stipulates in ASR A3.4 "Lighting and Visual Contact" that there must be an adequate supply of daylight. The goal is to create a lighting environment that is as natural and healthy as possible. The recommended illuminance levels vary depending on the workplace.
For example, illuminance levels of 750 to 1,000 lux are recommended for assembly workstations, and between 500 and 750 lux for office workstations. Well-planned lighting at the workplace not only ensures a pleasant indoor environment but also promotes greater concentration and increased employee productivity.
Sufficient daylight at the workplace year-round
Typically, windows in the facade provide daylight at the workplace. With a room depth of up to 4.5 m and standard window height, sufficient light is usually available. However, factors such as dense development, dense vegetation, or the season can significantly affect daylight penetration.
Independent and uniform illumination can be achieved through continuous rooflights such as light domes, flat roof windows, or light domes. These capture zenithal light—that is, light from above—which is up to three times brighter than light entering from the side through facade windows. Furthermore, room depth, as well as complex furniture or shelf placements, no longer play a role, since daylight can fall evenly onto workstations from above.
Windowless workstations – possible in exceptional cases
A visual connection to the outside prevents the feeling of being enclosed and counteracts fatigue. For this reason, not only workstations but also meeting and break rooms should be designed to allow a visual connection to the outside. However, it is not always possible to provide employees with this visual connection at their workstations. The Workplace Ordinance therefore provides for exceptions for rooms where employees only stay for short periods, such as storage rooms or archives. Exceptions also apply, for example, to underground workplaces such as underground parking garages, cultural facilities, and retail spaces, as well as in train stations, airports, or shopping centers.
To compensate: Longer breaks in daylight
More and more people spend the majority of their day indoors. To compensate for the lack of natural daylight, care should therefore be taken to ensure sufficient breaks outdoors. A short walk in the fresh air boosts energy, improves concentration, and lifts your mood—while also supporting physical health.
Daylight in the workplace is far more than just a legal requirement—it is a decisive factor for health, motivation, and performance. With the right lighting design, smart architecture, and sufficient breaks outdoors, natural light can be utilized optimally—to the benefit of employees and companies alike.
