What is the correct temperature for office buildings?

I Feel My Temperature Rising – Nothing Will Cool Me Down!

Office Temperatures - too hot or too cold?

Office Temperature is very important as it can affect the productivity of those working there. Working in an office that is too hot or equally too cold, can affect workers concentration and performance. Many surveys have shown that workers do not always agree when it comes to the correct office temperature. There have been many disagreements among colleagues on what should be the correct temperature of an office.

Correct Office Temperature

So guess what ? It is impossible to agree on a set room temperature that is suitable for everyone in the office! A lot would depend on what activity is taking place, the age, weight, gender and of course clothing that is being worn!

What affects body temperature?

Core body temperature differs between the young and older worker, men usually have greater muscle mass than women and would therefore heat up quicker, wearing suitable clothing to suit the environment is also a concern - if you have a number of layers, then simply removing some will aid with cooling down and vice versa.

Safety Health & Welfare at Work Regulation 2007

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 ("the 2007 Regulations") which were introduced alongside o the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 ("the 2005 Act"), refer to the issue of temperatures in the workplace.

(1)  An employer shall ensure that— (a) during working hours, the temperature in rooms containing workstations is appropriate for human beings, having regard to the working methods being used and the physical demands placed on the employees, (b) for sedentary office work, a minimum temperature of 17.5° C, so far as is reasonably practicable, is achieved and maintained at every workstation after the first hour’s work, for other sedentary work, at every workstation where a substantial proportion of the work is done sitting and does not involve serious physical effort, a minimum temperature of 16°C is, so far as is reasonably practicable, achieved and maintained after the first hour’s work, (d) means are available to enable persons at work to measure the temperature in any workplace inside a building. It is suggested that for most people an acceptable temperature for office work lies within the range of 18 to 23o C Further information can be found at https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/General_Application_Regulations/gen_apps_workplace.pdf

But it is impossible to dictate a temperature that is suitable for all as our body temperature will rise just as the external temperature rises. Ambient temperatures can affect our body temperatures. When the external body temperature rises, so too does our internal body temperature.

Circadian Cyle

Coupled with this the average internal temperature of individuals is 37°C (this of course varies slightly as no two people are identical every minute of every day). Body temperature can have various cycles throughout the day. The Circadian rhythm can control this. Our Circadian cycle is a natural, internal body process that helps us to regulate our sleep which is repeated every 24 hours.

So the result is – that there is no perfect office temperature - The best possible method would be to install a heating system that allows for various options and as much flexibility possible!

Techris Systems supply a full range of quality, accurate thermometers and data loggers with various temperature ranges, ideal for offices and kitchens. We also supply reliable and precise instruments designed to quickly check the functionality of HVAC systems ensuring adequate and clean ventilation and air conditioning throughout offices and buildings.