New Lighting Technologies in Workplaces: A Narrative Review of Developments and Challenges
Abstract
Background: Modern workplace lighting has progressed beyond basic illumination, incorporating human-centric and smart technologies to enhance occupational health, performance, and sustainability. This narrative review integrates interdisciplinary findings to examine recent developments, benefits, and challenges associated with emerging workplace lighting technologies.
Methods: Literature published between 2015 and 2025 was collected from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore, focusing on peer-reviewed journals, books, and conference proceedings. Out of 251 sources identified, 51 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on LED systems, human-centric lighting (HCL), and IoT-based controls in office, healthcare, and industrial workplace settings. The selected studies were thematically organized to address technological, health-related, and sustainability dimensions.
Results: IoT-driven smart lighting systems have demonstrated potential energy savings of up to 80%; however, challenges such as high installation costs, user resistance, and limited research in non-office environments remain. Ongoing debates concern the health benefits of HCL and the need for standardized metrics, such as melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (MEDI). Evidence indicates that LED-based, tunable HCL can enhance sleep, mood, and cognition by aligning artificial lighting with circadian rhythms.
Conclusion: Emerging lighting technologies hold transformative potential for creating healthier and more sustainable workplaces. However, critical gaps persist in long-term studies, inclusive design approaches, and user adoption. This review provides a holistic framework linking technological innovation, occupational health, and environmental sustainability, and advocates for evidence-based, human-centered lighting strategies in occupational setting.
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| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 17 No 4 (2025) | |
| Section | Original Article(s) | |
| Published | 2026-09-13 | |
| Keywords | ||
| Circadian Adaptation Visual Ergonomics Smart Lighting Systems Occupational Health Workplace Design LED Technology Energy Efficiency Human-Centered Lighting | ||
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