Comfort is key to workplace efficiency. That’s why facility managers and business owners often spend a lot of money on ergonomic desk chairs, eye-catching artwork, and indoor plants to create a more inviting workplace. Many businesses, however, overlook a fundamental component of worker comfort: temperature. If it’s too cold or too hot, efficiency and morale take a hit regardless of office décor.
Sex Factors
Sex plays a role in the temperature debate. Because of their generally higher muscle mass and lower skin-to-volume ratio, men are less prone to getting cold than women, who feel cold more easily in their extremities. This is because female bodies tend to pool blood around vital organs, drawing hot blood away from hands and feet. Consider the male/female balance in your workplace when setting the thermostat.
Importance of Warmth
A warm office environment can foster warm relations between colleagues. This is because the experience of bodily warmth is intrinsically linked with trust and affection. The part of the brain that’s stimulated by warmth is also stimulated when we experience trust and compassion for others.
The opposite is also true. Colder temperatures tend to make us feel withdrawn and isolated. Cold temperatures also use more of our bodies’ resources, as the human body shivers and increases blood flow to compensate. So it might be better to opt toward warmer environs than cold ones.
So what’s the best temperature for your workplace? That depends on many factors, but generally speaking, people tend to work at their peak productivity at between 71.6 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Want to know more about temperature and productivity? Call the HVAC experts at MaintenX today!
