How Temperature Effects

Your Productivity
The Effects of Air Temperature on Productivity
By Chris Adams
Ergonomics Expert
Reference: http://ergonomics.about.com/od/office/a/How-Temperature-Effects-Your-Productivity.htm

The air temperature at your office has a strong affect on your productivity. It may seem
like common since that the working at a comfortable temperature would make you more
productive, but what may not be apparent is how much of a difference just a couple of
degrees can make in that very same productivity and your overall office ergonomics.
There have been a number of studies conducted to determine what temperature your
office thermostat should be set at for optimal productivity across your workforce.
And it should come as no surprise that the more studies that are done the more
disagreement there is as to what that temperature is.
The majority of research has shown an optimal office temperature between 70 and 73
degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 23 degrees Celsius) provides the best air temperature for
maximum office worker productivity. However, a well respected study by Cornell
University returned a result of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) as the
optimal temperature. The British government organization that oversees these kinds of
things recommends 74 degrees F after in conducted its own study. It also found that 74
degrees would appease about 70% of people, so you really can't please everybody.
What's the big deal? Can't we just agree on a median of, say, 75 degrees F? Well, you
could, but these same studies show that just a few degrees difference can have a 5% or
more degradation in productivity. So, dialing in the perfect thermostat setting can have a
dramatic affect across the entirety of the workforce.

If we look at the research that gives us 71.5 degrees F as the optimal temperature and
100% productivity we only go down in productivity as temperature increases or
decreases.
As temperature increases:

at 77 degrees F we're about 98% productive

82 degrees F = 95%

87 degrees F = 90%

92 degrees F = 85%
As temperature decreases

At 66 degrees F we're about 98% productive

63 degrees F = 95%

59 degrees F = 90%
Unfortunately we can't just dial a given temperature into the thermostat and consider it
done. There are a number of factors to be considered that can alter the optimal
temperature. The first thing to keep in mind is that we are talking about the "optimal"
temperature, that is, the temperature that will be the best for everyone. Other
considerations are:
Season
The season gives us a predisposition to what we expect the temperature to be. We also
become more acclimated to those temperatures so in the winter we are more
comfortable with it a little cooler and in the summer with it a little warmer.
Clothing
The clothing we wear affects are personal temperature as it relates to the air
temperature. And this is mainly driven by the seasons as well. In the winter we tend to
wear thicker and warmer clothes so a cooler office temperature will compensate for the
added insulation to give us a more comfortable personal temperature. In the summer we
tend to wear lighter and thinner clothes made of materials that breathe better so the
opposite is true.
Weight

How much you weigh, or more precisely your body mass index (BMI), tells you how
much insulation (fat) you have on your body. That acts just like a thicker jacket keeping
you warmer the heavier. For the inverse of that, those who have a lower than average
BMI usually get cold easier.
Age
As you get older, particularly above 55, you tend to be more easily affected by cold. So
an older work force may benefit from a warmer office temperature.
Climate or Latitude
Your normal climate, based on your geographical location, may impact the expected and
acclimated temperature range much the same as the season and normal clothing worn
does.
Humidity
Let's not forget humidity. Humidity affects how you perceive temperature. If it is humid
your body can't evaporate sweat easily, air doesn't move over your skin easily and the
world feels heavy. 85 degrees F at low humidity may be incredibly comfortable, while 85
degrees F at 90% humidity can sap you will to go on.
A relative humidity level of 40% is optimal for year round comfort. In the summer months
the air is often more humid than that so a dehumidifier may be necessary, however most
condensing air conditioning units dry the air out somewhat. In the winter months you
may find yourself below a comfortable humidity level, especially if heating with gas. This
makes it feel colder as well as dries out your skin, throat and nasal passages.
Being either too humid or not humid enough affects your perceived temperature and
comfort level. So keeping a good relative humidity level is key to maintain a productive
office environment. It also has myriad health bonuses which is good for worker
productivity as well.