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"For the third time, the International Facility Management
Association (IFMA) has surveyed its members to determine the top 10 office
complaints and, once again, disagreements about office temperature rank
at the top of the list. “It’s too cold” and “It’s
too hot” ranked one and two respectively ... When the same survey
was conducted in 1991, “too hot” ranked first and “too
cold” ranked second, while in 1997, these two complaints reversed
positions on the list." "Despite many advances in the design of air conditioning
systems over the last 60 years, office workers still appear less than
completely satisfied. The environment can be ideal with respect to current
testing criteria yet leave many occupants complaining about temperature,
lack of air motion, and various physiological problems." "Often indoor air complaints are based on temperature
or humidity concerns. For example, if the air is too humid, the air can
smell stale and odors seem stronger." "A major trend in European office design is the creation
of offices with the comfort and atmosphere of home...'“People would
like to have more individual offices that express their personal styles
and also work in environments that feel good.'” "It is fair to say that an
office which is too warm makes its occupants feel tired; on the other
hand, one that is too cold causes the occupants' attention to drift, making
them restless and easily distracted. Workers begin worrying about how
to get warm again. ... Maintaining constant thermal conditions in the
offices is important. Even minor deviation from comfort may be stressful
and lead to impaired performance and safety. Conversely, workers already
under stress are less tolerant of uncomfortable conditions." "A study in Germany found temperature does have a
measurable effect on office workers. Their research says workers are at
peak productivity when the environment is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. ... performance
declines to 50 percent when the temperature rises to 92 degrees Fahrenheit" "There is general agreement that improved working
conditions in the office environment tend to increase productivity. When
temperatures climbed to uncomfortable levels, output was reduced." "A tantalising association between comfort and productivity.
We know the two are inextricably linked." "Losses or gains of up to 15% of turnover in a typical
office organisation might be attributable to the design, management and
use of the indoor environment." "Shows how the thermal environment, lighting, noise
and air quality have an effect on our comfort. Discusses the link between
comfort in the workplace and productivity, safety and quality. Also shows
how good design and operation of buildings is possible." Individual Temperature Control is Cost Effective & Makes Sense "If individual occupant control is not [used], do
not expect every occupant to be satisfied with the same conditions." "When relative humidity can
be kept at about 50%, the ambient temperature becomes the most critical
and debated factor for maintaining thermal comfort. Unfortunately, however,
temperature preferences vary greatly among individuals and there is no
one temperature that can satisfy everyone." "Because organizations invest far more money in people
than in facilities, they should have a vested interest in creating buildings
that keep people productive and healthy. Accordingly, investments in sustainable
design will pay off in the long run." "Tests show that ... personal workstation control
of temperature and air motion can reduce complaints without increasing
initial or operating costs." "One end of the room is boiling, the other end is
icy. ... I try to keep the heating on overnight in the cold spots, although
obviously there's a cost factor. ... Employers need to do something about
the temperature if the staff are uncomfortable - they'll either leave
the office, or complain if the problem is left." "Two of the recurring themes in indoor environmental
complaints centre on thermal comfort - trying to satisfy the different
needs of occupants - and the idea of personal control." "Looking for an office thermostat that actually works?
...You may never find it." "HVAC technicians install fake thermostats to shut
us up" "I've had requests from people to buy thermostats,
not to hook them up," he said. The reason? To fool those silly office
workers into thinking they have a say in the office weather." "Another reason some people complain about indoor
air quality is that a bad relationship exists between workers and management.
However, it is hard to know which came first. Poor morale can trigger
air quality complaints and poor air quality can trigger morale problems.
In any event, complaints received about indoor air problems should never
be ignored. Ignoring complaints about indoor air problems will just make
things worse. In addition to creating additional stress in the workplace,
ignoring problems can also make one liable in case there are actual concerns
and a lawsuit is filed." "Setting thermostat is a major point of contention
in many workplaces ... Will cold and hot ever find a comfortable middle
ground? It doesn't look good." "Winter months may be the ones that incite the most
intraoffice conflict -- all because of that silly thing called a thermostat." "Battle over the Thermostat"
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