Thermal Comfort at Work Is Essential for Productivity and Performance




Feeling too hot or too cold in the workplace is a very common experience for employees, in fact, a study by the UC Center for the Built Environment showed that just 11% of surveyed buildings showed 80% or more occupants felt comfortable with the set temperature. This issue of discomfort has a far-reaching impact on productivity and performance, with employees feeling tired, distracted as well as unable to focus due to the cold or heat. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make your workplace more comfortable.

What Is the Ideal Office Temperature?

As leading suppliers of sit-stand desks, adjustable height desks, and ergonomic desks, our team has been in offices that cover the entire temperature spectrum, from hot and stuffy spaces to bitterly cold ones. With office environments largely controlled by HVAC systems and comfort levels differing between individuals, it’s always going to be a struggle to please everyone. So, what are the best guidelines to follow for setting your HVAC system?

According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your workplace temperature should be between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, which offers a fairly wide comfort range to choose from. However, according to research by the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, the ideal temperature for a typical office should be around 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Achieve Individual Thermal Comfort

If you still find your workplace too warm or too cold according to your individual preferences, here’s what you can do:

Move Desks: 

Take a look at your office space to see if there is a warmer or cooler zone that you could move to – a Southern exposure side will generally be warmer, while the area closest to the air conditioning is usually cooler. If people are able to choose where they prefer sitting according to their thermal comfort, productivity and comfort levels should immediately improve.

Dress Appropriately: 

Pick your clothing with your office environment in mind rather than according to the weather outside. If you’re typically cold indoors, then keep a warm sweater in your desk. If you find you get warm in the office, invest in some lightweight office clothes in natural materials like cotton, which are much cooler than synthetic fibers.

Check the Humidity: 

The right humidity level can make all the difference to office comfort, helping to keep temperatures stable as well as improving indoor air quality and breathing comfort. It’s important for hygiene and comfort that humidity levels in offices are kept between 40% and 60% – anything below 40% can aggravate sinus issues and asthma, while humidity above 60% can lead to stuffiness and excessive perspiration. This can be regulated on your HVAC system or with a dehumidifier/humidifier and, of course, should be checked and serviced annually.

Implement a Zoned Solution: 

Upgrading your HVAC system to create zones for different heating and cooling is often a surprisingly simple and highly effective solution. This may require anything from a simple upgrade to a smart thermostat system or an overhaul of your HVAC system, so it’s best to check with a commercial HVAC company. Not only does this allow employees to make adjustments to heating and cooling to meet more individual requirements, but it’s also an effective energy saver that can deliver significant cost savings in the longer term.

Stylish, Affordable Sit-Stand Desks and Ergonomic Desks in New Jersey 

At BE Furniture, we’re more than just a supplier of commercial office furniture and interiors in New Jersey; we’re a partner who goes the extra mile to supply your company with the ideal space to help your business operate with optimal efficiency. As a full-service furniture dealer, we can supply you with a wide range of value-added and environmentally-sensitive products as well as plan and fit out your office remodel using our office CAD design services.

For more information on the sit-stand desks, adjustable height desks, standing office desks and ergonomic desks we can supply as well as our other products and services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.befurniture.com/

Original content posted on https://www.befurniture.com/thermal-comfort-at-work-is-essential-for-productivity-and-performance/

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