Is this really considered a perk? It is a bit like getting paid is a perk. I work in Germany where direct access to natural sunlight is part of our OH&S policies.
These days having an actual office is considered a perk, so...
The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
131–140 of 348 posts
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#132Earlier quoted context omitted.
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
> I don't think even the employers think it's right to have windowless offices As an employee, I hate this rule and would love a windowless office. Right now, I just keep the curtains closed all day.
Let me guess, you use dark themes right?
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#133In 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)
Of all the thing that make me thing "there ought to be a law" natural light seems like it should be way down the priority list. edit: And yes, I've worked in places with and without natural light, both white collar jobs and near minimum wage jobs. Comfortable temperature for the amount of physical activity I'm being asked to do and a comfortable amount of space in which to work are both a million times more important…
People are different. You might not feel the need for natural light. Doesn’t mean others don’t. See typical mind fallacy.
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#134Oh yes please. I work as a games programmer at a massive studio and it looks like 90% of people here prefer complete darkness during the day, to the point where they have these umbrella-like covers above their desks to cover any light from the lamps that somehow miraculously are still on. Me and few other people occupy a little corner next to a window that we stubbornly refuse to close the blinds on, despite bi-weekl…
I'm not a game dev, but a dev in a different industry and I am like your coworkers. I yearn for an office with no light but I am stuck in this awful open office with tons of light everywhere. My coworkers refuse to close the blinds and my desk looks right at the window. I hate it.
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#135Earlier quoted context omitted.
Could you explain why? Do you just prefer a dark room or are you distracted by activities outside your window? I can't really imagine not being look out a windows during the day. Also I think I'd feel trapped without windows, not that I can just jump out my 3rd. floor window.
Not your parent poster, but for me the external variable light is mostly a nuisance. It can be too bright and cause glare, or it's not enough and I need artificial lighting anyway. So I just blot it out, I work from home and I do the same across my entire home, blinds block external light and I use artificial light all day. Sunlight is nice if I'm going to be outside admiring nature, but it's crap for reading, playin…
Thanks, that makes sense. It's not for me personally, I really like being able to look out and see the light change during the day. There's nothing worse that going outside after work and not having realized that it's gotten dark without me noticing.
On a side note I don't think I'd stay in a hotel/motel room without windows, that just seems creepy. For the same reason I don't book room on ferries without windows, even though I'd just see the water.
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#136Isn’t having a good boss the #1 office perk?
That's not a perk, it's a requirement.
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#137I think some comments are missing the point. I used to work in an office that definitely had "natural light" because it did have windows, but the view from the windows was basically just other grey buildings about 10 metres away. I now work in an office where I can look out and see grass, trees, and the sky, and it's much nicer.
Trees and greenery in general take a space from "concrete wasteland" to "human living space" for me. I have no idea why we build plazas as big concrete slabs. Who thought that was what people wanted? Who has every thought to themselves, gee, I sure wish there was more flat concrete to look at.
> Who thought that was what people wanted?
You don't have to pay someone to mow the concrete slab, I guess. (And in the winter, don't shovel the snow, just make a sign that says: "warning, slippery!")
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#138Earlier quoted context omitted.
Which countries?
>Which countries? A lot of European countries, as far as I know. Not sure if it's all of them. But others have replied, so we know about Denmark (and it's the same in the other Scandinavian countries, probably all the Nordic countries, i.e. Scandinavia + Finland and Iceland), Germany, possibly Spain (not sure), Netherlands, ..
For sure Austria also.
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#139Earlier quoted context omitted.
Which countries?
In France, natural lighting is also mandatory. source in French: https://www.senat.fr/questions/base/2012/qSEQ121002524.html
If I remember correctly, in France, if you work like in a mall or a basement you are allowed extra days off ("Jours soleil").
Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light
#140[deleted]