Worth knowing about the optimal room temperature in the office

The ideal temperature in the workplace is a compromise between employment law requirements and agreements among colleagues. Conflicts arise regularly, especially in open-plan offices, due to employees' differing needs. Some insights into the effects of temperature and indoor climate on well-being and productivity can help you make the right choice. Ultimately,  office organisation is not just about the right office chair and the matching desk, but equally about sensible climatic conditions.

• Office temperature and indoor climate

• Legal guidelines on office temperature

• Productivity and indoor climate

• Conclusion: Office room temperature

Office temperature and indoor climate

Temperature in the workplace

You're probably just as familiar with feeling cold in the office because the air conditioning is set too high as you are with overheated rooms caused by excessive heating. However, your well-being at work depends crucially on a sensible office temperature. Under ideal conditions, you should always be able to adjust the temperature to suit your needs. In rooms that are not used by you alone, it is important to take all employees' interests into account.

It also helps to keep a few facts about the effects of temperature in mind. A rule of thumb says that the ideal office temperature is one that nobody finds uncomfortable. Otherwise, it becomes a stress factor that can have a negative impact on physical or mental well-being. A room that is too warm can lead to a wide range of symptoms in the long term, including headaches, allergic reactions, fatigue and even a weakened immune system. Constantly feeling cold in the office, on the other hand, can increase susceptibility to infections due to reduced blood circulation.

INDOOR CLIMATE IN THE OFFICE
It is not only the temperature in the office that matters, but the overall indoor climate as well. It is made up of various components, of which temperature is just one. Humidity, air movement and air quality also play a role, as does the type of work being carried out depending on how physically demanding it is. If you only do sedentary work in your office, your requirements for the indoor climate will differ from those of a colleague doing physically demanding work. Outdoor temperatures also affect the temperature in the office and therefore have an impact on work performance.

If you want to  furnish an office , you should therefore not only think about buying  office furniture , but also, if needed, a high-quality air conditioning system. Certain guideline values must be observed here too in order to keep air speed low. Otherwise, draughts can occur, which often lead to muscular tension. When it comes to air quality, regular air exchange through ventilation is important. Adding plants to the office is also beneficial for the indoor climate.

The legal guidelines for office temperature

REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORKPLACE ORDINANCE (ARBSTÄTTV)

As part of occupational health and safety for employees, there are corresponding protection laws that must be complied with. The temperature in the office is regulated by the Workplace Ordinance. Company management must comply with certain requirements designed to protect employees' health. With regard to office temperature, providing a healthy indoor climate is mandatory. In rooms without a temperature that is necessary for operational processes, the values to be observed are determined by the physical intensity of the work and the associated posture (walking, standing, sitting).

As a guideline, for example, an optimal office temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius. In terms of humidity, roughly 50 percent is considered appropriate. Deviations are possible depending on the individual needs of employees and mutual agreement. It starts to become problematic at around 28 degrees Celsius, for example. At this point, performance gradually declines. At temperatures well above 30 degrees Celsius, focused work is clearly more difficult.

EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS

The legislator stipulates that the office temperature should not exceed 26 degrees Celsius. However, if this value is actually reached, this does not yet give the employee the right to stay away from work. Only from 30 degrees Celsius onwards is the employer explicitly required to take action. There are various options available to ensure the employee's well-being. Effective measures include installing sun protection in the form of special protective glazing or awnings, as well as providing drinking water. If the office temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius or more, the employer is obliged to provide alternative premises or ensure an appropriate temperature level. Otherwise, serious health consequences (cardiovascular system) are possible. When purchasing cooling systems for office premises, the employer must comply with the currently applicable European standard for the ventilation of so-called non-residential buildings. It ensures a healthy indoor climate in line with scientific standards.

Here is an overview of the recommended room temperatures:

Productivity and indoor climate

CONCENTRATION AND PERFORMANCE

Room temperature is a key factor when it comes to staying ideally focused at work. Mental performance is significantly influenced by temperature, both positively and negatively. In general, conditions with slightly cooler air are physiologically more favourable than warmer ones. This is largely due to the brain’s oxygen supply, which is more likely to be maintained in a cooler room than in an overheated one. However, women differ noticeably from men, at least in terms of performance tests. At slightly warmer temperatures, most women perform better than men

Men show the opposite response at slightly lower temperatures. This difference is thought to be caused by differences in metabolism. In general, however, deviations in either direction are not beneficial and are therefore not recommended. In addition, people’s needs vary greatly. What feels comfortable to you personally may already be too cold or too warm for your colleague.

PREVENTIVE MEASURE

To remain as productive as possible in the office, even when temperatures fluctuate or differ from your personal preference, there are a few things you can do yourself. Make sure to air the room regularly during your working hours. If necessary, set yourself a reminder every one to two hours - you will notice the improvement in air quality. Get up from your desk for short moments in between and move around a little. This can be walking around or stretching.

What matters is a change of position that gets your circulation going - an ideal option especially for people who get cold quickly. If temperatures become unpleasantly warm, drink regularly and enough water. You will be able to concentrate better and stay focused on your work. Also, avoid sitting in direct sunlight whenever possible. Many offices have windows that provide no sun protection and expose you to direct heat from the sun. Make sure you have a shaded spot that offers the most comfortable working environment possible.

Conclusion: Room temperature in the office

A comfortable room temperature in the office is not just a luxury employees want during working hours. The basic requirements are legally defined in the form of guideline values and standards and serve to protect employees. In the long term, they have a positive effect on health, well-being and, not least, productive working. Anyone working in a favourable indoor climate can deliver the corresponding performance for their employer. Optimal temperature conditions are a key part of healthy workplace design.

They take into account the limited resources of the human body and its capacity to cope with strain. Compliance with occupational health and safety guidelines through an optimised indoor climate relieves strain on employees and helps maintain their health. Employers benefit from fewer sick days and greater job satisfaction among staff.