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Lack of Light Experienced by Remote Workers Demands Development of New Balcony Solutions

Research demonstrating the lack of daylight remote workers receive on a daily basis necessitates the development of window solutions that maximise natural light, according to polymer supplier REHAU.

20.07.2021

Commissioned by REHAU, the research found that the average working-from-home (WFH) employee receives only 22 minutes of sunlight daily, with 30% of those surveyed saying their working area receives no natural light. Worryingly, 36% of respondents said this lack of light definitely contributed to a lack of motivation, and highlights a potential ongoing problem as remote working arrangements become the norm post-pandemic.

With this mind, REHAU is advocating that installers and fabricators adopt window solutions into their portfolio that ‘let the outside in’. According to Malcolm Taylor, Commercial Products Manager at REHAU Windows, being aware of trends around working arrangements and natural light and including products that address these concerns will give fenestration professionals opportunities for further business.

“So much has changed during the pandemic, and while the country is expecting things to go ‘back to normal’ as final COVID restrictions are loosened, some of these changes are welcome and here to stay,” he says. “This includes WFH arrangements, which have given millions in the UK the chance to adopt a more flexible home and office attendance schedule, allowing them to fit work around other commitments.
“However, our recent research has found that this obvious benefit is coming at a cost in terms of the amount of natural light remote workers are receiving on a daily basis. As these working arrangements move from temporary to permanent post-pandemic, so too must installers and fabricators adapt their product ranges to suit this ‘new normal.’ By implementing high-quality, flexible solutions into their portfolio and highlighting the importance of products that allow more exposure to natural light, the sector is well-placed to offer solutions to this growing concern.”

Balconies are one such area that fabricators and installers should be aware of, having grown in the pandemic from an often-overlooked feature to a key part of modern living for many homeowners. With people continuing to spend more time indoors even post-pandemic, products such as REHAU’s SKYFORCE Juliet balcony provide an ideal way of receiving more natural light while simultaneously enhancing a home’s curb appeal.

Designed to appear frameless from the inside, SKYFORCE allows maximum daylight into a space, while also adhering to current building regulations concerning protection from falling, collision and impact. The visible aspects of the SKYFORCE solution can also be customised and different colours selected to suit specific buildings, taking account of homeowner demand for individualisation. Crucially for installers, it includes less parts than any other Juliet balcony on the market, meaning it can be fitted quickly and easily.

“Our product development efforts are always shaped by trends in the market – whether they’re happening now, or are anticipated to happen in the future,” Malcolm concludes. “SKYFORCE is no exception to this, with its design being informed by the impact of daylight on occupant health and well-being, and the rise of WFH arrangements. We are confident that this product provides an exceptional balance between the needs of the consumer, while being adaptable for installers to fit quickly and seamlessly regardless of specific project pressures.”

For more information on SKYFORCE, visit: www.rehau.com/uk-en/skyforce-juliette-balco ny