Four in ten office workers argue about air conditioning, study finds

Arguments over office temperatures are often par-for-the-course in many workplaces. The legendary dispute over the thermostat is one that’ll doubtlessly be familiar to you, no matter where you are in the UK. With this summer’s massive heatwave on record, it’s no surprise that it’s become even more of a hot topic (pardon the pun) than usual. In fact, according to a recent study, nearly half of office workers have openly argued with their colleagues over temperature in the office!

What exactly does the study say?

In total, 42% of office workers admitted that they’ve fallen out with a colleague over air conditioning activity, and the resultant temperature of the office. That’s very nearly half! Regular readers of our blog will know all about our expertise on how office temperatures can affect your concentration and productivity.

However, what lots of employers can often underestimate is the fact that these temperature changes don’t have to be particularly dramatic to have an adverse effect on your concentration! While excessively warm rooms can make you feel sluggish and drowsy, and cold offices can similarly sap your concentration, it doesn’t take pronounced shifts in temperature to have an irritatingly distracting effect.

Of this 42%, a full 36% often felt that they were way too hot, while 41% felt that it was too chilly. That may sound familiar to you, especially if you seem to work with that one person who’s always cold, no matter what. If so, you’re not alone – 4 in 10 have worked with a colleague who always feels like it’s a bit nippy, even when the office is stifling for others.

Are UK offices getting hotter?

According to recent data, the temperature of the average UK office this summer has been around 21 degrees. However, most workers say they would feel comfortably warm at slightly lower temperatures, ideally around 18 degrees. Meanwhile, around two thirds of employees reportedly wish their employer would do something to permanently improve the temperature in the office.

What’s more, with many experts linking this year’s incredible rise in temperatures to global warming, it’s likely that we’ll see an increase in summer temperatures in future years, which makes the installation of proper heating, cooling and ventilation systems in your office all the more important. Thankfully, that’s where our experts come in here at Askews.

We have over 25 years of experience in the installation, service and maintenance of quality air conditioning systems. That means you can count on us to make sure that your system is operating at optimum capacity, ensuring that all your employees are happy, comfortable and performing at maximal productivity. It’s worth noting that maintenance is a factor not to be ignored, either, as a poorly maintained system can even harm your employees’ health! Avoid this by booking a routine service and maintenance today, or by clicking here for a free quote. If you have any queries or questions, don’t forget you can always reach us on 01282 863 825. We’re here to help!

View All