What is the Ideal Office Temperature for Maximum Productivity and Comfort?

You’ve read all about how the right lighting can boost your overall office productivity and morale.

But what you might not be as aware of?

The ways in which the ideal office temperature can help to improve focus, keep your team members happy, and ensure that everyone is making the most of their time in the office.

Since over 60% of employees readily admit to wasting some serious time at work, taking all the steps that you can to improve productivity levels can also boost your profits and help your team to get more done in a day.

So, what is the recommended office temperature?

Keep on reading this post in order to find out exactly what to turn your office thermostat to.

Ending the Freezing Myth

If you’re like most people, you probably believe that the ideal office temperature is as cold as possible.

You might think that blasting cold air throughout your office keeps your employees focused.

However, you’re in the wrong.

First of all, temperatures that are too cold can actually become a distraction to your employees. Additionally, no one appreciates having to lug a jacket to work in the middle of the summer.

So, why aren’t cold temperatures the answer that so many people think they are?

Because, when people get too cold, they actually tense up the muscles in their bodies in order to stay warm. This seriously impacts your ability to concentrate and doesn’t do much to improve overall comfort levels, either.

This is especially true if it’s a sweltering hot day outside.

The sudden immersion in an environment that’s about 20 degrees colder than the temperature outside can cause a serious shock to the system that impacts concentration and leads to errors in emails and data.

In fact, a recent study by Cornell found that an increase from 68 to 77 degrees caused errors to fall by nearly 50%. Additionally, the overall work output of employees rose to by an almost unbelievable 150%.

If your own team members were working 150% harder, what would you be able accomplish in a day?

Plus, these warmer temperatures will also save you money.

That same study also found that a more ideal work temperature saves businesses about two dollars every hour — for each employee. If you employ more than ten people, those are some serious savings.

OSHA Temperature Limits

Studies like the one we referenced above are so valuable to offices, that their findings have even impacted OSHA temperature limits.

In fact, OSHA states that the ideal office temperature is somewhere between 68-76 degrees. So, if your office temperature is way above or below those limits, you may want to make an immediate adjustment.

We suggest that you call in a professional HVAC company that will help you to identify potential issues that are causing your office to get hotter than it should.

For example, while natural light certainly helps to keep your team members happy, it can also cause office temperatures to skyrocket.

We suggest installing some blinds or curtains that you can adjust when temperatures outside are a little bit higher than normal.

If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system in a while, rely on the professionals at R.J. Groner Co. to get the job done right.

This won’t just improve the temperature in your office. It will also ensure that your overall air quality is right where it should be, and increase the airflow throughout your commercial building.

Other Benefits of a Comfortable Office Temperature

You should also keep in mind that finding the temperature sweet spot can encourage your team members to work at a more rapid pace.

This also allows them to work more consistently.

Plus, if the office is too hot, it can quickly cause your employees to feel drowsy, or even just ready to leave as soon as possible.

In addition to impacting your productivity levels, this may even lead to strained relationships between team members and overall unhappiness with the job environment.

Finally, the right office temperature can give your team members a serious mood boost. If you suspect that morale is a little lower than it should be, look to your thermostat to help you to solve the problem.

When you’re warm enough, you’ll be in a much better mood than when you’re freezing. Coldness can often create feelings of solitude and a desire to disengage with the world around you.

If you’re not sure whether or not your team members are happy about the current temperature of your workplace?

All you have to do is ask them.

Likely, they’ve been wanting to bring it up for a while now, but aren’t sure whether or not anyone else in the office feels the same way that they do.

You’ll also show that you care about their overall job satisfaction and happiness.

The Ideal Office Temperature Isn’t the Only way to Boost Engagement

We hope that this post has helped you to better understand how the ideal office temperature can make your team members happier and more productive while they’re in office.

Remember to keep things anywhere between 68-77 degrees for best results.

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that finding a comfortable office temperature isn’t the only way that you can improve morale and make sure that everyone enjoys coming into the office each day.

Looking for more tips on how to create the best possible work environment?

We’ve got you covered.

Keep checking back with our website and blog for more tips and tricks on how to create a sense of camaraderie within your team members.