Monday morning meetings suck, especially when you’re cooped up in a dimly lit meeting room. Unfortunately, this is the norm for many people. But does it have to be?

We aren’t meant to live and work in cold, dark places — we’re meant for warmth, fresh air, and sunshine. That’s why it’s a relief that current design trends are rediscovering the importance of natural light.

HOW DOES NATURAL LIGHT AFFECT HUMANS?

Chemically speaking, sunlight affects humans as much as darkness does. Our brains release serotonin when we are exposed to sunlight, which helps us feel happier, calmer, more focused, less anxious, and more emotionally stable.

On the other hand, darker lighting produces melatonin, which affects our circadian rhythm (our internal clocks). When melatonin is released, our bodies are programmed to think that it’s time to sleep. Can you see how this would mess with our productivity in meetings?

WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS OF NATURAL LIGHT?

For one thing, you can keep plants at work since they’re sure to have access to sunlight. And plants are also great to have in the office!

But plants aren’t the only living creatures that benefit from natural light. Humans need to be exposed to sunlight for vitamin D, which promotes bone health, reduces the risk of flu and diabetes, and strengthens our immune system, among many other things. And since the typical work environment is neither the cleanest nor the healthiest, it’s essential to grab every opportunity for an immunity boost.

Natural light also helps ward off seasonal depression and improves your quality of sleep. And it reduces your exposure to office fluorescent lighting. Studies have shown that overexposure to fluorescent light increases the potential for migraines and eye strain.

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE MEETINGS WITH NATURAL LIGHT?

• Let the light in by opening those blinds

Blinds and curtains have their uses, namely for privacy or for when brightness is detrimental to your work. Take full advantage of the morning sun and let the light in for your meetings. Natural light helps your team be less sleepy, more attentive, and more productive throughout the workday.

• Have your meeting outdoors

Whether you have access to natural lighting in your meeting room or not, there are several benefits to going outside, like getting some vitamin D directly and leaving the air-conditioned room for a change. Make it a walking meeting and squeeze in your morning exercise, which also helps memory retention!

• Modernize office lighting to mimic natural lighting

Different color temperatures have various effects on our mood. With LED lights, you’re free to adjust a room’s color temperature according to your needs. LED lighting also lasts much longer and consumes much less energy, so it’s got long-term benefits for your health, your finances, and the environment!

Aside from lighting, make sure to apply other basic strategies so you can have a productive meeting — have a set agenda to start the discussion, assign point persons for new tasks, establish a clear action plan for your next move, and follow up on work progress long after the meeting is done.

Other than natural light, there are plenty of elements that go into making a productive workplace for your team. At the end of the day, finding the perfect balance of these elements comes second to making sure that your team is well-equipped and fully supported to do their best work.

Having a team meeting soon? Try our conference rooms at LOFT Spaces. They have remarkable views of the metro that you can enjoy thanks to our floor-to-ceiling windows. LOFT’s conference rooms are fully equipped with all the bells and whistles for your next productive meeting.

Book a tour today! Send an inquiry to [email protected], and our team will reach out to you soonest.