How Temperature Affects Workplace Performance
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American adult spends 8.7 hours a day at work during the regular work week. In fact, studies show that Americans work more than anyone else in the industrialized world. With statistics like these, it’s no wonder that companies regularly splurge on fun office amenities to boost workplace productivity. But while you may appreciate that ping pong table in the break room, when it comes to truly boosting productivity, you should really be looking at the thermostat.
Too Hot…Too Cold…
Living in the Sunshine State, many business owners tend to keep their thermostats set on low temperatures to combat the Florida heat. But despite sky-high temperatures outdoors, keeping things chilly inside can seriously impede workplace productivity. Employees working in cold environments are shown to become slow and sluggish since their bodies aren’t able to react as quickly when the temperature drops. Many employees report becoming sleepy when they get too cold, which can be detrimental to their ability to focus on any work-related tasks.
On the other hand, productivity also decreases when it’s too hot. Working under hot conditions can cause employees to become irritable and even aggressive, which does nothing to improve work performance.
The Ideal Temperature for the Workplace
When it comes to creating the ideal temperature in the workplace, the ideal temperature might not exist. While one study showed that performance increased with temperatures between 69.8 degrees and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, another study found the ideal temperature was closer to 77 degrees. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that although there aren’t any regulations that address temperature and humidity in the workplace, they recommend keeping temperatures between 68 and 76 degrees. One thing that all studies agreed on is that no temperature made all employees comfortable. In fact, 10 percent of workers have reported arguing with a co-worker about the temperature in the office.
Keep an Efficient Workplace with Quick Servant
At Quick Servant, we understand how important your employees are to the success of your business. That’s why we want to help you create a comfortable temperature that promotes great workplace performance. From repairs to installations and preventative maintenance, we offer all of the high-quality commercial HVAC services you need. Call us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment online.