Ensuring the comfort of everyone at work is one of the simplest and best ways to improve employee satisfaction and increase productivity. However, there can be some confusion about the best temperature to keep all employees happy and working effectively. As a business owner, you recognize that employee success is the key to a thriving business. But how do you manage individual preferences and tolerances for certain temperatures? You must, of course, take employee feedback seriously, but there is also scientific data that you can rely upon to pick the perfect temperature for your business.
Scientific Insights
Numerous scientific studies have explored the relationship between room temperature and cognitive performance. Variables such as reading speed, comprehension, learning, memory retention, multiplication speed, signal recognition, response time, and typing speed are all affected by temperature. Research indicates that performance sees an uptick in temperatures ranging from 60-72° F and starts to decline beyond 73-75° F. Peak productivity hovers around 71.6° F. Employees feel most at ease at this temperature, enabling them to concentrate on tasks and maintain motivation throughout the workday.
Determining the Optimal Workspace Temperature
No strict regulations dictate specific temperatures in workplaces, but it is widely recognized that maintaining temperatures between 68-72° F and humidity levels between 20%-60% is best for most industries. Whether adhering to the scientifically backed 71.6° F or opting for a temperature within the recommended range, you’ll be on the right track to increasing productivity. Combining this information with your employee feedback will help you find the best temperature for your company’s workspace.
Understanding the Impact of Room Temperature on Performance
Both hot and cold environments induce a slowdown in bodily and mental functions. This response, known as thermoregulation, is the body’s mechanism for maintaining a stable internal temperature. Even when the temperature is just slightly too hot or cold, the body expends energy on the process. Maintaining an optimal room temperature alleviates this and allows employees to think more clearly.
Other Considerations
Productivity is certainly a top priority for business owners, but it is important to keep in mind that you may want to be more flexible depending on your industry.
A few examples are:
- Industrial settings should keep the space cooler to counteract the heat generated by employees taking part in manual labor and to keep any machinery from overheating.
- Restaurants may have to keep the dining area a little cooler to balance out the heat that may sneak in from the kitchen.
- Hotels often keep the temperature a little warmer to create a more inviting environment (except for a hotel room which was set on “meat locker before you arrived”).
Choosing the right temperature is a delicate balance involving many factors. When in doubt, try adjusting the thermostat up or down incrementally until you find the sweet spot. By doing so, you are taking significant strides toward cultivating a work environment where your employees will flourish.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Pierce Refrigeration team, and one of our experts will guide you in finding the right solution for you.
Need 24-7 emergency service? Looking for advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort at home and work? Contact the friendly staff at Pierce Refrigeration at 800-696-1088 or info@piercerefrig.com.