Useful information about the optimal room temperature in the office

The ideal temperature in the workplace is a compromise between labor law regulations and agreements between colleagues. Conflicts regularly arise, especially in open-plan offices, given the different needs of employees. Some knowledge about the influences of temperature and indoor climate on well-being and productivity can help you make the right choice. Ultimately it's about the Office organization not just about the right one Office chair and the associated ones Desk, but equally about sensible climatic conditions.

• Temperatures in the office and room climate

• The legal guidelines for temperature in the office

• Productivity and indoor climate

• Conclusion: room temperature in the office

Temperatures in the office and room climate

Temperature at work

You are probably familiar with freezing in the office due to air conditioning set too high, as well as overheated rooms due to excessive heating temperatures. However, well-being during work depends crucially on a reasonable temperature in the office. Under optimal conditions, you always have the option to adjust the level of heat to your liking. In premises that are not used solely by you, it is relevant to take the interests of all employees into account.

It is helpful to keep some facts about the effect of temperature in mind. A rule of thumb is that the optimal room temperature in the office can be recognized by the fact that no one is bothered by it. Otherwise it becomes a stressor that can have a negative impact on your physical or psychological well-being. A room that is too warm leads to a variety of symptoms in the long term, including headaches, allergic reactions, fatigue and even a weakened immune system. Permanent freezing in the office, on the other hand, can result in an increased susceptibility to infections due to reduced blood circulation.

INDOOR CLIMATE IN THE OFFICE
Not only the temperature in the office is crucial, but also the entire room climate. It is made up of various components, of which temperature is just one. In addition, there is humidity, air movement and air quality as well as the type of work activity in view of its severity. If you only perform sedentary work in your office, you have different demands on the room climate than a colleague who works hard physically. The outside temperatures also influence the room temperature in the office and have a corresponding impact on work performance.

If you have a Set up office If you want to, you shouldn't just think about purchasing office furniture but also think about a high-quality air conditioning system if necessary. In this case, certain guideline values ​​must be taken into account in order to keep the air speed low. Otherwise, drafts will arise, which often leads to muscular tension. With regard to air quality (air quality), it is important to ensure regular air exchange through ventilation. Greening the office with plants is also helpful for the indoor climate.

The legal guidelines for temperature in the office

REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORKPLACE REGULATION (ARBSTÄTTV)

As part of occupational safety for employees, there are associated protective laws, compliance with which is mandatory. The room temperature in the office is regulated in the workplace regulations. The management of a company must adhere to certain guidelines that serve to maintain the health of employees. With regard to the temperature in the office, creating a climate that is conducive to health is a requirement. For rooms without a temperature required for operations, the values ​​to be adhered to are based on the severity of the activity and the associated posture (walking, standing, sitting).

As a guideline, for example, an optimal temperature in the office is 22 degrees Celsius. When it comes to humidity, around 50 percent is considered appropriate. Deviations are possible due to the individual and mutually agreed needs of the employees. For example, things become problematic from 28 degrees Celsius. Here the performance gradually decreases. At temperatures well above 30 degrees Celsius concentrated work clearly more difficult.

OBLIGATIONS OF THE EMPLOYER

The law stipulates that the temperature in the office should not be higher than 26 degrees Celsius. However, if this value is actually achieved, this does not mean that the employee has the right to stay away from work. The employer is only explicitly obliged to act above 30 degrees Celsius. He has various options here to ensure the employee's well-being. Effective options include installing sun protection in the form of special protective glazing or installing awnings as well as providing drinking water. If the temperature in the office exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, the employer is obliged to make other rooms available or to ensure an appropriate level of warmth. Otherwise, serious health consequences (cardiovascular system) are possible. When purchasing cooling systems for the office premises, the employer must comply with the currently valid European standard for ventilation in so-called non-residential buildings. It ensures a healthy indoor climate according to scientific standards.

Here is an overview of the recommended room temperatures:

Productivity and indoor climate

CONCENTRATION AND WORK ABILITY

In order to be able to concentrate ideally at work, the room temperature is an essential indicator. Mental performance is significantly influenced both positively and negatively by temperature. In principle, conditions with slightly colder indoor air are physiologically more favorable than with warmer air. This is largely due to the oxygen supply to the brain, which is more guaranteed in a cooler room than in an overheated one. However, women differ significantly from men, at least in the context of performance tests. In slightly warmer temperatures, most women are more productive than men

Men show an opposite reaction at slightly lower levels. The reason for this difference is suspected to be the different metabolism. In general, however, deviations in neither direction are beneficial and are therefore not recommended. In addition, people are very different in their needs. What is comfortable for you personally may be too cold or warm for your colleague.

PREVENTIVE MEASURE

In order to remain as productive as possible in the office even when temperatures fluctuate or differ from your own preferences, there are a few things you can do yourself. Make sure you ventilate regularly during your working hours. If necessary, set a reminder timer every one to two hours; you will notice the improvement in the air in the room. Every now and then, get up from the table for short moments and move around a bit. This can be walking around or stretching.

It is important to change positions to get the circulation going, an ideal option especially for people who get cold easily. If the temperatures become uncomfortably warm, drink regularly and sufficiently. You will be able to concentrate better and focus on work. Also, avoid sitting in direct sunlight if possible. Many offices have windows that do not provide solar protection and expose you to the direct heat of the sun. Make sure you have a shady place that offers you the most pleasant working environment possible.

Conclusion: room temperature in the office

A pleasant room temperature in the office is not just a luxury that employees want during their working hours. The basics are anchored in law in the form of guidelines and standards and serve to protect employees. They have a long-term positive effect on health, well-being and, last but not least, productive working methods. Anyone who works in an advantageous indoor climate is available to the employer with appropriate performance. Optimal temperature conditions are a central component of healthy workplace design.

They take into account the limited resources of humans and the resilience of the body. Compliance with occupational safety guidelines through an optimized indoor climate relieves employees and helps maintain health. The employer benefits from fewer sick days and higher job satisfaction among employees.