It’s estimated that the average American may spend up to 90,000 hours in the workplace over their lifetime. That’s 10.2 years! One of the goals of HR departments is to maximize productivity during all of those working hours.
Considering recent research that links productivity with the workplace environment, HR leaders should prioritize creating the ideal environment. After all, a more productive workforce typically translates to a more profitable business (not to mention greater worker satisfaction and improved morale).
Read on as we explore the unique relationship between temperature, air quality and productivity in the office.
The Science of Temperature and Productivity
Is there an ideal temperature to set the workplace thermostat at to maximize employee productivity? According to various studies, the answer is “yes.” The Indoor Environment Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory determined that an ideal range for maximizing comfort and productivity is 70 to 72 degrees. The highest productivity is at about 71.6 degrees. Separately, Cornell University researchers who conducted a month-long study found that increasing office temperatures from 68 degrees to 77 degrees reduced typing errors by 44% while boosting output by 150%.
Temperature has been found to influence blood circulation and metabolism. If the temperature is too cold, some of the energy typically expended to complete work and other mental tasks may be used instead to maintain body temperature. As a result, focus and efficiency may decline. In contrast, if the workplace is too warm, lethargy can lead to discomfort and mental fatigue.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Another aspect of the workplace environment that HR leaders should consider prioritizing is indoor air quality (IAQ). Factors that impact IAQ include the presence of pollutants, humidity levels, and how well ventilation systems perform.
Some common pollutants that can impact air quality include dust, pollen, mold, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, radon and certain gases. If levels of these pollutants become too great, it can lead to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues in workers, which makes for a less-than-ideal workplace environment.
Aside from upper respiratory issues, poor air quality also impacts cognitive function. A 2021 study from Harvard University found that workers showed lower cognitive function when working in environments with poor air quality.
Tips for Maintaining an Optimal Work Environment
When the workplace temperature is ideal and employees have high-quality air to breathe, everyone wins. Workers are more comfortable and may stay healthier, resulting in higher productivity and fewer sick days. Employers benefit from a happier, more productive workforce that, ideally, results in greater profitability. Secondary benefits may even include lower health insurance costs and fewer workers’ compensation claims.
So, how can you maintain an optimal work environment? Here are some tips for better regulating temperature and indoor air quality:
- Put your HVAC system on a maintenance plan. Regularly maintaining your office’s HVAC system helps ensure efficient year-round heating and cooling so you can keep the workplace within the optimal temperature range.
- Balance the temperature with humidifiers or dehumidifiers. These solutions can help ensure that your indoor air isn’t too damp or too dry, improving office comfortability.
- Have your ducts professionally cleaned. Dust, mold, grime and more can build up in your duct system over time — and each time the furnace or air conditioning kicks on, these contaminants are dispersed into the workplace from the ducts. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, ducts should be cleaned every three to five years.
- Install air purifiers. Air purifiers work by removing allergens, toxins, and pollutants to promote healthier indoor air. Consider a whole-office purifier for your workplace.
Are you unsure where to start when it comes to improving your office environment? Schedule air quality testing today to learn more about the quality of your indoor environment’s air and what you can do to improve it.
If you’re not already prioritizing the temperature and air quality in the workspace, now is the time to start.
Michael Carlson is the President of Gene May Heating & Cooling. He has been in the heating and cooling industry for more than 32 years and is the sole owner of the business.
Sources:
- https://hbr.org/2020/11/what-you-should-follow-instead-of-your-passion?tpcc=orgsocial_edit&utm_campaign=hbr&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
- https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/office-air-quality-may-affect-employees-cognition-productivity/
- https://workhealthsolutions.com/docs/the-impact-of-indoor-air-quality-on-employee-productivity/
- https://nadca.com/homeowners/frequently-asked-questions-about-residential-air-duct-cleaning
- https://dbh-group.com/blog/?p=19843
- https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2004/10/warm-offices-linked-fewer-typing-errors-higher-productivity
- https://indoor.lbl.gov/publications/room-temperature-and-productivity
- https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2811%2961930-7/fulltext
