Absence soars during winter months, placing a huge financial burden and logistical strain on productivity. Illnesses such as colds and flu are the most common reason given for absence (93%) yet research shows that, actually, much of this ill-health is related to anxiety, stress and depression. The International Healthcare Comparisons estimates 13.4 million working days a year are lost due to depressive disorders.These disorders can contribute to poor performance on the job, lack of motivation and strained relationships. Research shows that both levels of absenteeism and symptoms of SAD (depression, lack of energy, lethargy, weight gain) are at their worst during January and February.
In the UK, seasonality is responsible for the onset of depressive conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Winter Blues. Around a quarter of adults (22-45yrs) are affected, with 17% getting the Winter Blues and a further 7% suffering with SAD (source: ICM Online Omnibus).
Why we need light
Throughout every day, and even whilst we’re asleep, our body is responding to our ‘circadian rhythms', the daily patterns of mood and behaviour that help us to function at our best. Circadian rhythms use hormones and other chemical messengers to regulate our sleep and wake cycle as well as a whole range of other daily processes including appetite, mental alertness and metabolism, and these are all switched on or off according to our internal body clock.
When the SCN sees inconsistent light patterns (e.g. when we vary our sleep routine) or weak light signals (e.g. when we spend time in a poorly-lit environment) it can disrupt our circadian rhythms e.g. on gloomy winter days, melatonin levels stay high during the day so we feel permanently sluggish.
The body clock function lies within the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), a small group of cells at the back of the brain. These cells need strong, regular light signals from the eye to differentiate day and night and keep time effectively, e.g. releasing melatonin when it’s dark, a hormone that prepares the body for sleep.
Over a prolonged period, this can cause quite profound hormone and chemical imbalances and circadian misalignment is now acknowledged to be closely linked to lack of energy and motivation, mood disturbances, sleep disorders and conditions such as SAD.
Some days in winter we're exposed to 16 hours of darkness. Combined with the low levels of office lighting it is no wonder that the winter months present challenges with a sick and subdued workforce.
Making light work
Research shows that we really need bright light of about 2,500lux to keep the symtoms of winter blues at bay. Exposure to a lightbox (2,500-10,000lux) for 15 - 45 minutes a day will quickly decrease sleepiness, restore vitality and boost mental alertness, energy levels and productivity. It is also a potent and effective treatment for SAD and Winter Blues.
Whilst spending at least 45 minutes a day outside would be the best solution, the British weather and work commitments mean this is not usually possible. Lumie offers a range of light boxes, providing a safe and effective way to get the extra bright light you need during the winter months. When these are used in the workplace they will help you feel alert, energised, positive and in a much better mood.
For employees who are not lucky enough to sit next to a large window, or for employees that suffer with SAD, Brightspark or Desklamp are ideal. these are specially designed to provide individuals with discreet bright light therapy whilst they're working, for a fast and effective boost to mood and concentration.
Using a number of larger, more powerful Pharos lights works really well in a group setting. One idea is to create a 'light lounge'; adding several Pharos lights to an existing seating area is a simple way to provide a bright environment where employees can take 15 minutes to recharge their batteries.
Another option is to install a number of Pharos lights in the staff restaurant, where employees can enjoy the benefits of light therapy and return to work feeling motivated and productive after the ultimate light lunch.