NICEIC and ELECSA launch Watt’s the Matter? campaign

  Posted by: electime      18th January 2021

With 2020 hailed by many as ‘the worst year ever’, a record number of Britons have said their mental wellbeing is at an all-time low this Blue Monday, a new study has revealed.   

According to stark new research by NICEIC and ELECSA, for many homebound Brits working from makeshift offices in kitchens or spare bedrooms since last year, poor lighting in the home is making matters worse. Two thirds of respondents (66 per cent) admitted poor home lighting was negatively impacting their concentration levels and making them feel more stressed.

Luckily, as record spending on home improvements continues, lighting has become a priority as almost one in four (24 per cent) of those surveyed stated good home lighting made them feel better during the winter months and almost one in three (27 per cent) said good lighting made them happier and more energetic.

In response, and just in time for Blue Monday, the most miserable day of the year, NICEIC and ELECSA have launched their ‘Watt’s the Matter?’ consumer campaign. The campaign highlights the positive impact improvements in home lighting can have on the nation’s collective mood – while warning the public of the importance of using a registered electrical contractor for any planned electrical work.

Paul Collins, NICEIC and ELECSA’s Technical Services Manager, comments: “With 2020 being one of the most challenging years in recent history, it’s unsurprising that just weeks into January, the mental wellbeing of a record number of Brits is at an all-time low this Blue Monday.

“With the national lockdown and the fact that huge swathes of the population are still working from home, often in makeshift offices, the problem is clearly intensifying with many experiencing the detrimental impacts poor home lighting can have on mood.

“As our electrical contractors are keenly positioned to help our ‘Watt’s The Matter?’ campaign aims to address the problem and provide safe solutions, guiding consumers to registered electricians such as those registered with the NICEIC and ELECSA.

“To help amplify the message we encourage all NICEIC and ELECSA registered contractors to take this opportunity to talk to their customers about effective lighting in the home. Through education and good advice collectively we can do our part and help lighten the mood this winter”

Today’s findings come as a quarter (25 per cent) of homeworkers admitted that the lighting in their home office was either too dark or too light, with just over a half (52 per cent) revealing they regularly suffer from headaches, migraines or eye strain when working.

Despite this, although almost a half (47 per cent) of homeworkers bought a new desk, laptop, screens, or printers, just 9 per cent have upgraded their lighting to make their home offices as comfortable as possible.

This looks set to change, however, with around 65 per cent of Brits surveyed saying upgrading lighting is now just as important to their home as painting, laying new carpets, and buying new furniture.

The survey of 2,000 consumers reveals the nation’s collective weariness this winter, with some surprising disparities:

• 70 per cent of 45-54 admitted upgrading lighting was just as important to their home as painting, laying new carpets, and buying new furniture
• Brits located in Yorkshire and Humber regions have reported worst deterioration in their mental wellbeing and feel the gloomiest about spending the winter at home
• Those living in the West Midlands are suffering most from poor lighting, with a fifth (20 per cent) confessing it is making them feel depressed and moody
• 46 per cent of women said the coronavirus pandemic continues to make them feel anxious/fearful, compared to just 28 per cent of men
• In terms of mental wellbeing, the pandemic is having the worst impact on those aged 18-44, with 21 per cent revealing they are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

For more detailed information please visit the Watt’s the Matter page on the NICEIC website which can be viewed here https://bit.ly/2XNiCrm