Migraines are a significant yet often invisible workplace issue, affecting 1 in 7 people in the UK. While many factors contribute to migraines, modern office environments can be a major trigger. This blog explores how lighting, office design, and workplace stress combine to impact employees with migraines and offers strategies for creating a more migraine-friendly workspace.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines are more than just headaches—they’re a neurological condition with different types:
- Migraine with Aura: Often includes visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots before the headache starts.
- Migraine without Aura: The most common type, involving intense throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
- Chronic Migraine: Defined by experiencing migraines on 15 or more days per month. These can significantly impact daily life, including work performance.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: A rare type that includes temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, mimicking a stroke.
Modern Office Lighting and Migraines
Lighting in office environments is a key trigger for migraines. Fluorescent lighting and certain LEDs can flicker imperceptibly, causing strain on the eyes, triggering migraines in susceptible individuals. The issue is compounded by excessive exposure to blue light from screens, which has been shown to aggravate headaches and fatigue. Harsh, artificial lighting can also contribute to general eye strain, which is another common migraine precursor.
The Issue with White Walls
Office design often favours bright white walls, which can create excessive glare when combined with artificial lighting. This visual overload can be overwhelming for individuals prone to migraines. White walls reflect light across the room, amplifying discomfort and contributing to headaches.
Consider using softer colours like muted greys, pastels, or earth tones. These colours reduce glare and create a more calming environment, which can minimize visual triggers.
Workplace Stress as a Migraine Trigger
In addition to environmental triggers, workplace stress plays a significant role in triggering migraines. Stress is a well-documented cause of migraines, and the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of many modern workplaces can exacerbate symptoms. Deadlines, workload, and interpersonal tensions create a perfect storm for migraine sufferers.
Research shows that:
- 25% of sufferers had to change careers due to migraines.
- 16% lost their jobs as a result of their condition.
- 54% suffer financially, while chronic sufferers lose 16.8 days of work per year due to headache-related issues.
Many employees feel the need to "push through" migraines at work, with 97% of respondents admitting they’ve worked while in pain. This not only reduces productivity but can worsen the condition over time.
How Employers Can Create a Migraine-Friendly Environment
Employers can make a significant difference by making small, thoughtful changes to the office environment:
- Ergonomic Lighting: Replace harsh, overhead fluorescent lights with adjustable, softer lighting. Allow employees to adjust their individual desk lighting to their preference.
- Natural Light: Encourage the use of natural light wherever possible, as it’s less likely to trigger migraines.
- Screen Filters: Provide employees with blue light filters for their screens or encourage the use of blue light blocking glasses.
- Calmer Wall Colours: Repaint bright white walls with softer tones to reduce visual strain.
- Breaks and Stress Management: Encourage regular breaks, mindfulness practices, and offer flexible working hours. Lowering stress can reduce migraine frequency.
Support for Employees
It’s important for employers to acknowledge the hidden impact of migraines. Offering employees support, such as a flexible working policy, quiet rooms, or the option to work from home on bad days, can reduce the pressure they feel to work through pain.
Conclusion
Migraines can have a severe impact on productivity and quality of life, especially when exacerbated by modern office environments. By addressing issues like lighting, white walls, and stress, employers can create a more migraine-friendly workplace.
For more advice on how to make your office migraine-friendly or to speak with an expert on ergonomic design, book a free consultation with one of our specialists today.