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The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

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Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#51

Post by pluma »

dsfyu404ed wrote: post #22
Tor3 wrote: 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)

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…

Says someone who probably hasn't worked without natural light for extended periods of time?

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#52

Post by rdl »

Maybe natural light is a perk because it is nice to have (sometimes), but a door/actual office with a lock and soundproofing would then be a minimum baseline requirement.

(I’d honestly prefer windowless to a window I couldn’t control, too. Windows with effective shades are nice, particularly if they can be opened for fresh air, but I’d be completely fine with a windowless office with a substantial door, great artificial full spectrum lighting, and HVAC under my control 24x7. Especially if my door and lock had a security rating.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#53

Post by matwood »

Aaargh20318 wrote: post #5

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.

And I can't get enough natural light. I hate artificial light, and require windows anywhere I work. When the temperature is right, I even sit on my back porch to work.

For me, sitting in the dark is depressing.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#54

Post by escapologybb »

SmellyGeekBoy wrote: post #45
escapologybb wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

^ 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.

In a work environment? I find it hard to believe you spend 8 hours every day lying on your back staring at the ceiling. If you do, it absolutely can't be healthy.

My bad, forgot a probably pertinent piece of information. I am quadriplegic. Whilst technically yes I am in a work environment because I run my own company from home, you are quite correct that I am not in a work environment with other people.

Mea culpa, Mea maxima culpa.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#56

Post by Someone »

sarabande wrote: post #10
Tor3 wrote: 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?

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 and ventilators in a safe manner. When open, they must not be positioned so as to constitute a hazard to workers.”

Effective since December 31, 1992 (two years later for Greece)

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#58

Post by wackro »

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.

> I fired an employer

I like your attitude.

I'm currently gazing down a glass-ceilinged atrium so will not be firing anybody for the time being.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#59

Post by executesorder66 »

baby wrote: post #32
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.

I’ve worked in an office without windows, really takes a toll on you.

I think their point was it's so obvious that it shouln't be considered a perk.

"I've worked in an office without getting paid, really takes a toll on you." Sounds ridiculous. Why would you work without getting paid? Same for natural light.

Re: The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light

#60

Post by coldtea »

matwood wrote: post #46
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.

I'm sure there are exceptions. What if the worker is in an office handling German classified materials all day?

Then they are entitled to more frequent breaks and/or extra leave days as part of their contract.
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