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The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

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Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#11

We just moved into a new office and one of the best things about it is that we now have small offices and I can keep the curtains closed and the lights off all day. Why would you want more light, especially natural light ? I never open my curtains at home either.

^ This: I don't know how people do it, I'm using my computer in the dark at the moment with the screen being projected onto the ceiling. I can't think of another way I would rather use my computer really.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#12
post #7

In some civilized countries natural light is actually a requirement, by law. Not in the server closet etc, but in your office it is. You can, of course, adjust the curtains or whatever to get the exact amount you prefer (which typically changes throughout the day, as the sun passes)

Which countries?

The Netherlands for one.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#13
post #7

In some civilized countries natural light is actually a requirement, by law. Not in the server closet etc, but in your office it is. You can, of course, adjust the curtains or whatever to get the exact amount you prefer (which typically changes throughout the day, as the sun passes)

Which countries?

Germany too.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#14
Am I the only one here who actually likes it dark? It might be healthier with natural light, but my personal preferences has always been darkness.

I wonder if it is related to coming from a northern country (Scandinavia) where ~1/4 of the year is really dark.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#15
post #7

In some civilized countries natural light is actually a requirement, by law. Not in the server closet etc, but in your office it is. You can, of course, adjust the curtains or whatever to get the exact amount you prefer (which typically changes throughout the day, as the sun passes)

Which countries?

In Spain there is some regulation, but I don't know the details. I remember an inspector paid us a visit and made some recommendations.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#16
post #7

In some civilized countries natural light is actually a requirement, by law. Not in the server closet etc, but in your office it is. You can, of course, adjust the curtains or whatever to get the exact amount you prefer (which typically changes throughout the day, as the sun passes)

Which countries?

It has been illegal to stuff people into room with no natural light in Denmark for at least 40 years. It can just be a skylight if you're in warehouse or factory.

I believe that office workers are required to have actual windows and honestly I don't think even the employers think it's right to have windowless offices

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#17
post #7

In some civilized countries natural light is actually a requirement, by law. Not in the server closet etc, but in your office it is. You can, of course, adjust the curtains or whatever to get the exact amount you prefer (which typically changes throughout the day, as the sun passes)

Which countries?

IIRC Germany sort of requires all offices to have direct natural light https://www.thelocal.de/galleries/lifestyle/top-ten-weird-ge...

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#18
Natural light is good, but the office isn't the place I crave it the most. And as other have alluded to, I'd much rather have a dingy personal cave than a bright but shared space.

So #1 perk for me: enough schedule flexibility that I can ensure I can have some outdoor time during daylight hours every day, even in winter.

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