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Chapter 120

2020 : A

READING2 · 44 questions

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Chapter 120 · 2020 : A · READING2

Shed Some Light on the WorkplaceStudies have shown that employees are happier, (1) healthier, and moreproductive when they work in an environment (2)in which temperatures are carefullycontrolled. New buildings may be designed with thesestudies in mind, but many older buildings were not,resulting in spaces that often depend primarily onartificial lighting. While employers may balk at theexpense of reconfiguring such buildings to increase theamount of natural light, the investment has been shownto be well worth it in the long run—for both employeesand employers.For one thing, lack of exposure to natural light has asignificant impact on employees’ health. A studyconducted in 2013 by Northwestern University inChicago showed that inadequate natural light couldresult in eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, as well asinterference with the body’s circadian rhythms. (3)Circadian rhythms, which are controlled by the(4)bodies biological clocks, influence body temperature,hormone release, cycles of sleep and wakefulness, andother bodily functions. Disruptions of circadian rhythmshave been linked to sleep disorders, diabetes, depression,and bipolar disorder. Like any other health problems,these ailments can increase employee absenteeism,which, in turn, (5 )is costly for employers. Employeeswho feel less than 100 percent and are sleep deprived arealso less prone to work at their maximal productivity.One company in California (6) gained a huge boost in itsemployees’ morale when it moved from an artificially litdistribution facility to one with natural illumination.(7) Artificial light sources are also costly aside fromlowering worker productivity. They typically constituteanywhere from 25 to 50 percent of a building’s energyuse. When a plant in Seattle, Washington, was redesignedfor more natural light, the company was able to enjoyannual electricity cost reductions of $500,000 (8 )eachyear.Among the possibilities to reconfigure a building’slighting is the installation of full-pane windows to allowthe greatest degree of sunlight to reach office interiors.(9 )Thus, businesses can install light tubes, (10 )these arepipes placed in workplace roofs to capture and funnelsunlight down into a building’s interior. Glass walls anddividers can also be used to replace solid walls as a means(11) through distributing natural light more freely.Considering the enormous costs of artificial lighting,both in terms of money and productivity, investment insuch improvements should be a natural choice for businesses.

healthier, and more


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