The Importance Of Temperature In The Workplace

It can be tricky to get the temperature of your workplace just right. You might find it difficult to please everyone in your office, and this issue has a tendency to cause controversy between colleagues. However, if you find your employees are complaining about the temperature they have to work in, it's vital that you address this issue. In this blog, we take a look at some of the problems you might face if you’re not paying attention to your thermostat and what you can do to create a comfortable working environment for you and your employees. The problem It’s no secret that if the temperature in your workspace isn’t quite right, you run the risk of having an unhappy workforce. Each member of staff is likely to have their own preference when it comes to the temperature of a room, and it can be difficult to strike the right balance. If your work environment is too hot or too cold, your workers may feel uncomfortable, unable to get on with their jobs and they may even become ill. For example, sick building syndrome (SBS) refers to a range of symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, poor concentration and nausea, that are believed to be connected to spending time in a certain building. While anyone can experience the symptoms of SBS, it’s thought that the condition is more common among those who work in modern style buildings, especially open plan offices. The cause of SBS is yet to be identified, but experts believe that it can be brought on by a combination of things - including temperature. It’s thought that particularly high and changing temperatures are to blame for these symptoms. So, if you’ve noticed a dip in your employees’ health and happiness, it might be time to adjust your settings. The solution According to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers have a legal obligation to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature in the workplace - but what does this mean? The Approved Code of Practice recommends that the minimum temperature in the workplace should be least 16 degrees Celsius or 13 degrees Celsius if the work involves rigorous physical effort. Generally, it’s advised that the maximum temperature is 24 degrees Celsius, and the Trades Union Congress recommends that 20 degrees Celsius is ideal for offices. However, it’s important to bear in mind that these are just suggestions and not a legal requirement. As an employer, you have an obligation to determine a temperature that’s comfortable and appropriate for your workplace. If you’re unsure if the temperature is reasonable, you could carry out a thermal comfort risk assessment. This is a checklist of questions you can ask yourself about your work environment to determine if the temperature is right. You can find more information about workplace temperature on the Health and Safety Executive website. Also, it’s important to ask your employees for their thoughts. It might be that you’re able to compromise and come to an agreed temperature that suits everyone. Even if it takes you a while to figure out the optimal temperature in your workplace, once you’ve got it sussed, you should be able to create a pleasant and comfortable environment for you and your employees.

July 4, 2017 | View: 661 | Categories: ROOT