As winter sets in across the country and companies turn up the heat, they may need to readjust the thermostat to keep their workers productive. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, when asked if the temperature at work affected their ability to get work done, more than one-in-five (22 percent) workers said that a "too hot" work environment made it difficult to concentrate. Eleven percent of workers said the same about a "too cold" workplace.
Overall, more than a quarter (27 percent) of workers describe the temperature at their workplace as "too hot." On the flip side, 19 percent reported that the temperature was "too cold," while 54 percent said it was "just right."
Differing opinions on what is too hot or too cold for the office can sometimes cause conflict among cubicle mates. In fact, 10 percent of workers said they have fought with a co-worker over the office temperature.
Worker disputes over temperature aren't the only thing affecting workplace climate; the economy is also playing a part. In an effort to save money, nearly one-in-five (19 percent) workers feel that their company has turned down the office temperature this year.
"There are many factors that can affect workplace productivity," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. "Everything from morale, burnout, and as our survey finds, temperature, can have an impact on workers' ability to get their work done. If temperature is a concern, workers and employers can easily work together to find common ground so productivity does not suffer."
Office feeling too hot or too cold? Haefner offers the following tips to maintain productivity regardless of temperature:
Thermostat talk: Does one of your co-workers like the office steaming while you prefer a chillier work space? Instead of secretly changing the thermostat behind each other's backs, send around an e-mail to your floor or directly discuss a compromise on temperature with your colleagues.
Layer it on (or off): The best way to prepare for a fluctuating office climate is to layer your clothing. That way, you can remove or add items so that you are comfortable and able to do your best work.
Make it work: If you know that a particular time of day or space in the office is too warm or too cold for you to work productively, be proactive by finding an alternative. Talk to your manager about coming in earlier, moving to a conference room for a portion of the day or telecommuting.