The temperature of the office is a crucial factor in optimising workplace comfort and productivity. For office furniture companies, understanding and addressing temperature-related issues can give you a competitive advantage. Finding the perfect balance can significantly impact employee well-being and overall performance. Here’s how you can inform your clients on ideal temperature management and include solutions in your services.

The Goldilocks Zone: Ideal Office Temperature

For decades, the optimal office temperature has been thought to be 22°C, primarily based on the physiology of a 44-year-old-man. In fact, more recent research indicates that the ideal office temperature lies between 21°C and 23°C (70-73°F), often referred to as the ‘Goldilocks Temperature’ – not too hot, not too cold. This range has been shown to maximise productivity and comfort for most employees. However, individual preferences can vary:

• Women tend to prefer slightly warmer temperatures, around 25°C (77°F)

• Men generally prefer cooler temperatures due to physiological differences in body composition

• Pregnant women and people with disabilities have a lower tolerance to high temperatures

• After the age of 60, there is a gradual reduction in the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature

Temperature and Productivity

As temperature increases, productivity can significantly deteriorate, and extreme temperatures increase health risks.

• Above 23°C, productivity (for the average male) begins to decline, this happens at around 25°C for women

• At 33°C, productivity can drop by 15%

• Above 39°C, there is an increased risk of heat stroke or collapse

• At 41°C, confusion or delirium can occur

On the other hand, temperatures below 20°C can lead to reduced cognitive function and discomfort.

Humidity and Airflow

Aside from temperature, relative humidity (RH) and airflow also contribute to the office climate.

• Optimal RH is around 40%

• Lower RH allows for easier sweat evaporation

• Higher RH makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself

Individuals will have different sensitivity levels to RH, depending on layers of clothing, activity levels and biological characteristics.

Current Regulations and Recommendations

Currently, there are no legally defined temperature requirements for workplaces, but several guidelines exist:

• The Workplace Regulations (1992) requires employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature

• Minimum temperature should be at least 13-16°C for strenuous indoor work

• The Trade Union Congress recommends a maximum of 27-30°C for strenuous work

• Employers should consider cooling measures when temperatures reach 25°C

Temperature-Conscious Furniture Design

1.      Temperature-Regulating Materials: Breathable fabrics or heat-dissipating surfaces will help to regulate temperature in furniture that is constantly used by employees.

2.      Airflow-Optimised Partitions: Better air circulation can be promoted using different zones throughout the office space.

3.      Personal Climate Control: Localised cooling and heating options (fans, small heaters etc.) allow employees to adjust their immediate environment, without affecting their colleagues.

4.      Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers: These help to control air humidity in the office, helping to balance the RH. By adjusting the humidity, temperatures automatically feel more comfortable without a need for major changes in the thermostat settings.

Strategies for Optimal Office Temperature

Temperature management doesn’t have to cost anything. The average temperature in London between October and March is 8°C, meaning a free source of cool air for most of the year. If possible, simply opening the windows, even in winter, can be a lot more efficient than changing the thermostat. Here are some other measures you can advise your clients to implement to maintain an optimal workspace temperature:

1. Implement a 19-23°C rule to manage temperature-related complaints

2. Encourage layering to accommodate individual preferences

3. Avoid setting AC to auto, which can lead to inefficient temperature swings

4. Utilise free cooling by opening windows when appropriate (temperature exceeds 23°C­)

5. Consider separate ducted ventilation systems for more efficient temperature control

Zoned Heating and Cooling Systems

Most offices have Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems, these are a built in solution for accommodating different temperature preferences in the same office space. The means specific areas can be set to different temperatures, for example, the kitchen area being slightly cooler, or having several ‘hot-desk’ areas at different temperatures so employees can choose the best environment for them to work in. As office furniture companies, this is where you can offer thoughtful and niche suggestions to your clients, demonstrating your understanding of how temperature affects productivity in the office.

Finally,

Focusing on temperature related aspects of office design helps office furniture companies to position themselves as comprehensive workplace solution providers. The goal is to find a balance that works for the majority whilst allowing for necessary personal adjustments.

Prioritising thermal comfort alongside aesthetic and ergonomics can lead to increased client satisfaction, improved employee productivity and a stronger market position in the competitive office furniture industry.