How Bonded Became the First-Ever Light Nutrient Employer

At Bonded, we are proud to be the world’s first light-nutrient employer. This certification, awarded to us by Make Light Matter, reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing and productivity.  

Keep reading to find out how we worked with Neina Sheldon, the Founder and Director of Make Light Matter, to design our Newcastle headquarters to maximise natural light – and the impact these changes have had on our team.  

What is light nutrition? 

Light nutrition refers to the optimal exposure to natural light that our bodies need to function properly. This concept recognises that light impacts nearly every cell in our bodies, driving physical and mental processes crucial for our health and wellbeing.  

Make Light Matter, founded by Neina Sheldon, is dedicated to promoting the benefits of light nutrition. Diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in 2003, Neina has been working since 2012 to help others understand and manage their light nutrition needs. Her organisation provides guidance and solutions for optimising light exposure to enhance health and productivity. 

Designing our light nutrient office space 

Having connected with Neina during our annual Red January challenge, we felt that the ethos of Make Light Matter closely aligned with our own values here at Bonded. As a big advocate for mental health in the North East marketing community, working with both Red January and NABS, we were keen to learn more about how to maximise light in own office space to boost the mental wellbeing of our employees. When our team grew and needed a larger office, we turned to Neina for help in designing our new workspace. 

From helping us choose the office space with the best natural light to advising us on the layout of the space, the office furnishings, and the lighting specifications, Neina provided comprehensive support. These design choices included: 

• Window-adjacent desks: Positioning desks near windows to ensure employees benefit from ample daylight. 
• Glass doors in the boardroom: Installing glass walls to let light flow freely throughout the space. 
• Naturally lit meeting rooms: Designing our meeting rooms to utilise natural light. 
• Bright, open spaces: Avoiding dark, enclosed areas to promote a well-lit and welcoming atmosphere 
• White walls and light flooring: Using white walls and light-coloured flooring to enhance brightness and create a more expansive feel. 
• Lighting specifications: Selecting appropriate lighting fixtures and bulbs to complement the natural light and maintain a well-lit environment all year round.  
• Encouraging light breaks: Promoting outdoor walks during lunch breaks to increase the team’s exposure to natural light during the workday. 

These changes have not only created a brighter, more inviting workspace but have also significantly improved our team’s wellbeing and productivity.

Fancy a tour of our light-nutrient office space? Check out Bonded HQ here!

The benefits of being a light-nutrient employer 

Exposure to sufficient natural light is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, particularly in a work environment where many people spend most of their day indoors. Adequate light not only helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles but also boosts mood and energy levels, contributing to a happier and more productive workforce. 

Here are some of the key benefits of being a light nutrient employer: 

• Increase Productivity: Better light exposure improves alertness and focus, reducing errors and boosting efficiency. 

• Reduce Absenteeism and Turnover: A healthier light environment leads to fewer health issues and greater job satisfaction, cutting down on sickness absences and staff turnover. 

• Strengthen Employer Brand: Demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing enhances the employer brand, making recruitment more effective and cost-efficient. 

• Enhance Client Relationships: Happy, focused employees are more likely to deliver high-quality service and build stronger relationships with clients, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. 

Light Nutrition Workshops with Neina Sheldon 

To share her insightful knowledge, Neina hosted a series of workshops on the importance of light nutrition with the Bonded team. Within these sessions, Neina explained the science behind light nutrition and provided practical strategies for optimising light intake at home and in the workplace.  

Bonded’s certification as the first light nutrient employer marks a significant step towards creating a healthier, happier and more productive workplace. Reflecting on this achievement, Neina Sheldon shared, “As the UK’s first-ever employer to receive the Make Light Matter Pledge certification, the Bonded team has demonstrated incredible open-mindedness and commitment to being a trailblazer in employee wellbeing”. 

Steven Underwood, Bonded’s Managing Director, is passionate about this initiative and encourages other businesses to consider the importance of natural light when considering workplace wellbeing.  

“As work environments evolve, we believe workplace wellbeing has never been more important. Optimising light in our workplace isn’t just about boosting productivity; it’s about prioritising our team’s health and happiness.” 

To learn more about light nutrition, schedule a workshop for your team, or get a consultation for designing your office space, visit the Make Light Matter website. For more information about our other wellbeing initiatives, check out Red January and our partnership with NABS.