Coworkers are battling over office temperatures and it could be having a major effect on productivity.
According to a survey by CareerBuilder, nearly half of workers (46 percent) say their office is either too hot or too cold. 15 percent say they have gotten into an argument with a coworker over the temperature. Women are more likely to complain – with 22 percent of them admitting to fighting over the issue.
The survey also found most workers agree that sitting in an office that is either too warm or cold impacts their productivity. Nearly 1 in 5 (19 percent) have secretly changed the office temperature during the summer.
As for what the perfect temperature is for the office, the answer may surprise you. PGI found several studies that show warmer temperatures can lead to better performance, and fewer errors.
CareerBuilder offers these tips if you find yourself in an uncomfortable workplace this summer:
Agree to this degree: As much as it might feel easier to simply change the thermostat behind your co-workers' backs, a more effective resolution might be to try talking to your co-workers about it and find a compromise.
Take breaks: It’s summer, so enjoy the sun and a little vitamin D. Even if your office temperature isn’t bothering you, a quick break is always a good idea to boost productivity.
Change up your environment: If a particular time of day or office space is too warm or too cold for productive work, talk to your manager about adjusting your work schedule, telecommuting or moving to a conference room for a portion of the day.
