The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light • Hacker News Board

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#141

Post by crehn » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:06 PM UTC

toomanybeersies wrote: post #85

I really wish it was possible to somehow use my laptop outside when it's sunny. It's a shame to spend the prime hours of the day inside, and then spend all your spare time in the dark at night. I get really jealous of the construction workers when it's a nice sunny day outside. I've worked a few different outdoor jobs, and there's nothing quite like working on a sunny day, it really lifts the spirit.

When it's really bright outside, switch to a monochrome, black on white terminal theme with a huge font. You'll be able to work anywhere without noticing dust or greasy fingerprints on your screen. Plus it's an exercise in minimalism.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#142

Post by jghjg » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:09 PM UTC

Our office has lots of natural light, that would be enough and perfect, and also lots of fresh mountain air.

Of course, artificial light and freaking air coinditioner is on the whole day.. sigh..

I am the only one that feels like a chicken who is forced to make eggs with all those artificial lights above you? because that is the same strategy they do with chickens, tricking them into thinking is a new day with artificial lights

A few times I disconnected the light bulbs around my area, but this trick only works for few days until the first alienated worker comes

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#143

Post by dithering » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:12 PM UTC

rsynnott wrote: post #37

dithering wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From my basement in London: Probably specific countries.

I think there are at least two separate issues here; some countries have health and safety laws requiring natural light, while others require natural light in newly-built offices (as a condition of planning etc). Can you build an office in London these days that doesn't have natural light in the main spaces? I'd be sceptical.

Old building. Managed offices, completely gutted internally last year. I don't know if that wound count as new build. Probably not.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#144

Post by em-bee » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:13 PM UTC

adiusmus wrote: post #39

Not a perk. I fired an employer for failing to provide natural sunlight for a reasonable amount of time throughout the day. I’ve also rejected offers involving lack of sunlight. One place adjusted to this requirement quite well. Apparently I was the first candidate to even bring this up when I asked about the working environment. The cost to my health is measurable.

when our teams office got moved from another city into the basement of the main office, i threatened to quit unless i got a desk by the window. the building was on a hill, so the basement did have an open side out to the back with windows by the entrance. space was a bit small but they managed to custom-fit a desk so that i could sit there.

greetings, eMBee.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#145

Post by ensignavenger » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:13 PM UTC

Someone wrote: post #56

sarabande wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which countries?

Certainly the EU. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A... : ”8. Natural and artificial room lighting 8.1. Workplaces must as far as possible receive sufficient natural light and be equipped with artificial lighting adequate for the protection of workers' safety and health. […] 10. Windows and skylights 10.1. It must be possible for workers to open, close, adjust or secure windows, skylights an…

"as far as possible"...

I wonder how that is interpreted? Does that exclude buildings older than the code? Does it prevent new buildings from being constructed without these features? It would always be "possible" if enough money was spent on it (and you ignore other considerations, like historical values)...

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#146

Post by flr03 » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:15 PM UTC

I you doubt the benefits of natural light, here is a story from a good friend of mine. Few years back when he was in college, he took an appointment with a doctor because started to feel depressed with no obvious reason (no family drama, health issues whatsoever...). Very quickly the doc asked him where he was spending most of his time, answer: in a classroom with tiny windows, curtain closed and artificial lights.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#147

Post by lighthazard » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:19 PM UTC

justbaker wrote: post #130

yitchelle wrote: post #20

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.

Seriously? I complain about not having windows to let natural light in and the fluorescent lights and people look at me like I’m crazy for being sensitive to artificial light.

Crazy for being sensitive to it :).

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#148

Post by SketchySeaBeast » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:20 PM UTC

Legogris wrote: post #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.

Our office recently installed dimmers on all the lights and if you walk around, every single group has it set to the lowest it'll go. We also have our blinds down - they darken, but are semi transparent, so you can see outside, but it cuts the light by a ton.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#149

Post by SketchySeaBeast » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:21 PM UTC

ptero wrote: post #121

I am curious whether it is the light or the view that makes the difference. If it is the light I wonder if a technical fix is possible: a short waveguide and/or a few mirrors into a "micro sun" diffuser in the room instead of a light bulb? It should be relatively cheap if the benefits are as big as claimed.

I think it's the view - we have blinds you can see out of but darken the space by a ton, and everyone keeps em down all the time.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#150

Post by LeifCarrotson » Wed, Sep 05, 2018, 1:24 PM UTC

martinwww wrote: post #105

or CO2 concentration under 1000 ... in our building they somehow trying to save money on air conditioning so we don't consider air in the office to be 'fresh' as there's usually ~1500ppm - 2000ppm CO2 concentration.

For others who may be curious, outdoor mean CO2 concentration is currently 410 ppm.

CO2 concentrations under 1000 ppm are described as having 'good air exchange'. CO2 between 1500-2000 is unpleasant, causes drowsiness and feels stale and gross. 5000 ppm is the typical workplace health limit.

Some guidelines are based on 1950s air quality, which had 250-350 ppm CO2. Today, you need more circulation to maintain acceptable CO2 levels than you did 50 years ago because the outdoor air has a higher concentration.