If like many of us, you’re now surrendering to the fact that you may need to work from home a little longer than we first anticipated, you’re probably thinking you may need to create a more realistic, longer term workspace.   

Households across Dublin are now tapping into the dark, eerie space that once was synonymous with cobwebs, clutter and Christmas decorations to create a workspace that allows them to successfully segment their personally and professional self. If like these people, you’re considering transforming your loft into an office – our top tip – NATURAL LIGHT!  

According to a leading HR advisory firm published in the Harvard Business Review – The #1 office perk is natural light. Yes, free food, fancy coffee machines and ‘bring your kids to work’ days are all great benefits and give us warm fuzzies but worryingly, humans are now spending between 80-90% of their time indoors and denying themselves the benefits of natural light in their work environments.  

Here are some of our TOP benefits of adding natural light to your attic office space  

•  Natural light boosts productivity.  

A study undertaken by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology found that employees working in environments with natural light recorded higher levels of energy than those in artificially lit workplaces.  

•  Exposure to natural light helps us sleep better. 

Natural light exposure at the right time of day suppresses our melatonin leading to a more restful sleep at night. Ensuring the daylight can pour into your workplace can also help alleviate workplace stress and positively impact human health  

•  Spend now – Save later.  

Lighting your attic conversion with natural light via Velux Windows, Dormer windows or balconies can cost a lofty one-off amount, but have you considered what the long-term artificial lighting may cost? You should consult with your Building Contractor or Architect on this as having the right design, layout and window products can reduce electricity and heating costs over time.  

•  Natural light increases the value of the space.  

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market in years to come, you can’t position your previous three-bedroomed home as a four bedroomed one just because you’ve converted the attic into a habitable space. However, buildings, houses and rooms with an increased natural light is very appealing to potential buyers and can help increase the value of the property. Natural light can amplify a space by making is seem more open and inviting. Houses that boast rooms with natural light pouring in may perform better on the market than their artificially lit counterparts.   

Converting your attic now may be important to have a separate workspace but don’t rush into this decision. Talk to your Architect and/or Professional Contractor about the long-term intrinsic benefits such as natural light that will add value long after lockdown.