Introduction

Human-centric lighting in offices has emerged as a key factor in creating healthier, more productive workplaces. In this article, we examine how the introduction of full-spectrum LED lighting using the SunLike technology transformed the Nordic headquarters of Schaeffler Group in Stockholm.

We'll explore why lighting matters for employee well-being, how natural-spectrum LED lighting supports circadian health and productivity, and what practical steps designers and facility managers can take to implement effective human-centric office lighting.

Our thesis: Lighting designed with human biology in mind - not just illumination - can deliver measurable benefits in workplace wellness and performance.

What is Human-Centric Lighting and Why It Matters in Offices

Human-centric lighting (HCL) refers to lighting design that goes beyond simply enabling vision; it consciously supports human health, well-being and circadian rhythms. In office environments, lighting can impact alertness, fatigue, mood, and even sleep quality after work.

Research indicates that employees consider lighting quality among the most important factors for creating a comfortable, energy-boosting workspace. For example, at the Schaeffler Nordic HQ in Stockholm, the lighting upgrade adopted the SunLike LED technology specifically to deliver "pleasant and healthy light" in the workplace.

When employees spend many hours indoors under artificial light, replicating aspects of natural daylight becomes especially beneficial. Sources from lighting manufacturers emphasise that mimicking the sun's spectrum - and reducing excessive blue-light peaks typical of conventional LEDs - can help align lighting with the human circadian system.

Natural Spectrum LED Lighting for Circadian Health & Productivity

One of the core components of effective human-centric lighting is the spectrum of the light source. Unlike conventional white LEDs, which often have a strong blue-light peak and an incomplete spectrum compared to sunlight, natural-spectrum LEDs such as SunLike reproduce a fuller visible light spectrum; with a color rendering index (CRI) of up to 97.

The benefit? According to research at the University of Basel, a daylight-LED solution showed "beneficial effects on visual comfort, daytime alertness, mood, and sleep intensity in healthy volunteers." For office lighting, this translates into potential gains in productivity and well-being: better visual comfort, less fatigue, improved concentration.

Studies quoted by Seoul Semiconductor indicate that under SunLike lighting, test subjects achieved higher accuracy in problem-solving, faster learning speeds and improved sleep outcomes. In short: by choosing lighting that more closely mirrors daylight, workplaces can better support the non-visual effects of light - namely circadian alignment and alertness - rather than just illumination.

Case Study – SunLike LED Implementation at the Schaeffler Nordic HQ in Stockholm

At the Nordic headquarters of the Schaeffler Group in Stockholm, a global technology supplier, the lighting retrofit adopted SunLike LEDs from Seoul Semiconductor to deliver healthier light in the office environment. Several key factors are noteworthy:

From a project-management standpoint, this case illustrates how lighting upgrades can serve both ergonomic/wellness goals and performance outcomes. Facility managers can draw from this example to justify investment in human-centric lighting: reduced fatigue, enhanced mood and potentially improved retention or reduced sick days.

Technology Deep Dive – How SunLike LED Technology Works and Its Benefits

The SunLike Series natural-spectrum LED technology from Seoul Semiconductor is designed to reproduce the visible light spectrum of sunlight - incorporating wavelengths across red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet - rather than simply relying on the typical blue-LED + yellow phosphor method. By doing so, SunLike lowers the blue light peak and produces a spectrum more harmonious with human biology, supporting circadian rhythms, reducing eye fatigue and improving color fidelity (CRI up to 97) compared with conventional LEDs (often CRI ~80). It also carries high levels of photobiological safety certification (e.g., RG-1 level) for minimal risk.

Key Benefits Include:

Designing the Workplace Lighting Environment – Practical Tips & Considerations

Implementing human-centric lighting using technologies like SunLike involves more than simply swapping fixtures. Here are practical considerations:

By following these practical steps, facility managers and lighting designers can bring human-centric lighting out of the "nice to have" category and into the "strategic workplace wellness" domain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, human-centric lighting in office environments is more than a design trend; it's a strategic tool for enhancing employee well-being, alertness and productivity. The case of the Schaeffler Nordic HQ in Stockholm shows how specifying a natural‐spectrum LED solution like SunLike can deliver measurable benefits in comfort and performance.

By understanding the theory behind human-centric lighting, scrutinizing the technology (such as SunLike's full-spectrum approach), and applying practical design considerations, you can ensure your workplace lighting upgrade isn't just visually appealing; but truly supportive of the people who use the space.