What is the ideal office temperature?

Now, the thermostat conflict appears to be a common issue in all offices. However, before we proceed, does your office have a reliable air conditioning system? Do you regularly perform AC maintenance, or do you have an AC repair contact in your office emergency contacts?

Some staff would like it when it is frigid. While some would like it scorching hot. Some would like to play it safe and opt for an in-between setting.

• Which setting should the office go for to cover everyone’s needs? 
• Is there any thermostat setting that could cover every office worker? 
• Is there a thermostat setting that can promote productivity?

Yes, temperature affects productivity.

We look at what research shows to be the right temperature.

Let us go straight to the details.

What is the Ideal Office Temperature for Productivity?

According to the HVAC Laboratory at the University of Helsinki, the ideal office temperature in a “typical” office setting is approximately 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the ideal office temperature ranges from 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. OSHA further recommends a humidity range of 20% to 60%, so it is not just about the temperature, but also about the indoor air quality.

These are recommendations by OSHA, not binding regulations. Many offices, however, have found the perfect balance within this range.

Apart from this temperature regulation, you have to consider:

• The comfort of office occupants,
• Heating and cooling energy costs,
• How the temperature affects productivity.

Benefits of Regulating Office Temperature

Why is a comfortable office temperature such a touchy issue for businesses?

And why are employees so invested in having their ideal temperature set on the thermostat?

Here are the benefits of keeping office temperatures within the recommended range.

Temperature affects productivity

With the correct temperatures, the staff will focus on their work instead of worrying about how cold or hot it is. If a business is concerned about increasing revenue, it should start from this. 

The right temperature ensures the employees are comfortable and focused. This will reflect in the revenue directly.

The Ideal Office Temperature for Energy Efficiency

The debate of high temperatures vs. overall thermal comfort often comes down to the company’s policy.

Sometimes, the company enforces one temperature setting. Many employers would expect all employees to adhere to it. This is often a practical way for companies to ensure energy efficiency.

In this case, employees must either adapt to or layer accordingly to accommodate the company policy.

However, it is recommended that the office climate be around 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust the temperature within this range and have the staff members layer accordingly.

What temperature is considered unsafe working conditions?

A temperature range of 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit is considered the ideal office temperature (1).

This may make you wonder if there is a temperature perception that may be considered unsafe.

Too hot temperatures can result in:

• profuse sweating,
• Heat stress can occur, especially when the body temperature rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

OSHA recommends some positive ways to keep workers safe and comfortable:

• fans,
• weather appropriate clothing
• work breaks.

It’s ideal for a company to sit down with its employees and discuss the perfect summer temperature for the office.

Setting the Ideal Office temperature that suits everyone in the office

Half the office will think that the average office temperature is too cold. The other half will think it is too hot.

It is incredibly challenging to keep everyone happy with a thermostat setting. This is also the case in homes, where we strive to achieve the optimal temperature for the living room. However, a few tricks will help you arrive at something agreeable to everyone.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Temperature varies throughout the day. A smart thermostat will sense the office environment. This way, it will automatically adjust the heater or air conditioner.

This automatic setting ensures even comfort for the employees. And it provides energy efficiency for the company.

HVAC Santa Clarita heating, ventilation and air conditioning covers you for your thermostat needs. 

Perform Routine HVAC Maintenance

A well-maintained system will run more efficiently. This will make it easier to regulate your office temperature.

Also, regular commercial AC maintenance will prevent unexpected breakdowns. Imagine going without your AC on hot days; the office will be unbearable.

Involve All Employees

To solve the thermostat wars, involve all employees. Ensure you consider their preferences.

Consider what everyone prefers, and discuss a compromise.

With the compromise, the employees can consider their clothing options. This will be a slight adjustment to fit into the agreed setting.

Why Does Temperature Matter?

Why is the ideal office temperature such a vital discussion topic? Well, of course, workers bring it up due to their comfort.

But here is why companies should invest in ensuring the office has the right temperature:

• Temperature impacts movement: Cold temperatures result in tensed muscles. This is one sure way to lower concentration.
• Temperature affects mood: Our brain influences temperature through our feelings. If it is warmer, people will be more friendly and joyful. Cold temperatures are often associated with loneliness and isolation. If your business relies on forming connections and associations, you need to invest in keeping your employees warm when it’s cold.
• Temperature impacts pace: People are wired to seek warmth. Therefore, people are always in a rush to get to a warmer place. Consequently, less time will be spent on meaningful relationships and conversations.

Ideal Office Temperature for Office: Frequently Asked Questions

We answer some questions below. We hope this helps you solve any office thermostat wars once and for all.

What is the Optimal Office Temperature?

The ideal office temperature is anything between 68 and 76 degrees. However, for most offices, 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit works excellently (2).

You can slightly lower or raise the temperature depending on other factors:

• The temperature outside,
• People’s preferences.

What temperature is too hot for the office

There is no universal temperature considered too hot for working.

However, employees should maintain thermal comfort when setting the office thermostat.

Usually, anything above 76 starts to be uncomfortably hot for the workers.

Final Thoughts

There we go for the ideal office temperature discussion.

To sum up, anything from 68 to 76 will most probably cater to all office workers. However, you can make slight adjustments, either higher or lower, depending on the temperature.

In conclusion, with this agreement and a properly functioning HVAC system, everyone in the office should be content.

Sources

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20160617-the-never-ending-battle-over-the-best-office-temperature

https://www.thoughtco.com/how-temperature-affects-productivity-1206659