Blog

What We Measure: Temperature

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by

Awair

December 13, 2021

Office temperature is one of the most contentious issues in the workplace environment. When some employees are feeling the heat, others shiver, but either way productivity and collaboration decline.

Improve employee satisfaction
Improving the comfort of each employee within their workspace is an important part of improving overall wellness and happiness in the office. In a study in office buildings across Europe, temperature was the biggest complaint from employees and a significant contributor to the workplace experience. 

Temperature (1)

Improve performance and productivity
Temperature plays a big role in whether employees are focused and productive but it’s a fine balance.

A study by the Helsinki University of Technology found that performance peaked in an office heated to around 71.6°F (22°C). While a Cornell University study showed that raising temperatures from 68 to 77°F (20C to 25°C) – reduced errors by 44% while output increased by 150%.

On the other end of the thermometer, multiple studies showed a 2% decrease in work performance for every degree over 25°C. Whether it is too hot or too cold – we’re distracted when we must regulate our temperature.

Improve health
Temperature can also influence the health of employees. Those working in high temperatures are more likely to suffer from Sick Building Syndrome symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, headaches, sore throats, and fatigue. While those in cold environments are more susceptible to illness. Illness-related lost productivity costs US employers an estimated $575 billion per year.

Monitor your building’s temperature with Awair
Awair’s temperature index is designed to help you maximize occupant comfort and productivity. When indoor air temperatures move above or below the optimal range – 64.4 to 77°F (18 to 25°C) – Awair will notify you to adjust your thermostat, or you can add a trigger for this to happen automatically.

 

References:

  • Perceived Indoor Environment and Occupants’ Comfort in European “Modern” Office Buildings: The OFFICAIR Study
  • Control of temperature for health and productivity in offices
  • Poor Health Costs US Employers $575 Billion and 1.5 Billion Days of Lost Productivity Per Integrated Benefits Institute
  • Thermal effects on office productivity
  • The thermometer of social relations: mapping social proximity on temperature