Understanding the ideal office temperature guidelines

You likely have different temperature preferences depending on the time of year, how much direct sunlight the office receives and personal considerations.

Following general recommendations can help keep all employees comfortable.

General recommendations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends keeping workspaces between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a wide range, and numerous factors may influence your office’s thermostat settings.

For example, daily responsibilities may influence workers’ temperature preferences. A person working at a desk may prefer warmer temperatures than someone who spends their day moving around.

Temperature and employee comfort

Collect general feedback from the team when adjusting the office temperature. This consideration can contribute to a positive environment that potentially boosts employee morale.

Factors influencing office temperature needs

Various factors influence the ideal office temperature for your workplace, including your team demographics, the office design and the equipment.

1. Rented or leased office spaces

If your employees work in a shared or rented office space, the building might be centrally controlled, leaving you unable to adjust the temperature. In these cases, employees may need to plan for weather conditions and potentially bring added layers during the winter months.

2. Office layout and design

The layout and design of your office may impact its temperature needs. In open-plan offices, conditions often feel cooler. In comparison, smaller spaces such as private offices and cubicles may trap warm air and are typically easier to customize for temperature preferences.

For optimal performance, ensure the HVAC system is well-maintained by servicing it regularly, replacing the air filter according to recommendations and monitoring refrigerant levels.

3. Equipment and technology

When establishing office temperature guidelines for your workplace, consider the office equipment. Computers, printers and copiers may produce heat and can make an office feel warmer than the thermostat reading.

To address this issue, you might opt for zoned cooling that adjusts based on location and occupancy.

4. Seasonal changes

Outdoor temperatures may be chilly in the morning and warm by the afternoon. If you live in an area with changing seasons, you may use a smart thermostat, which switches between heating and cooling, to combat fluctuating temperatures.

Strategies for maintaining a comfortable office temperature

Consider these steps to keep temperatures within a comfortable range.

1. Proper HVAC system maintenance

A well-maintained HVAC system is essential to workers’ health and comfort, keeping conditions warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Remember to schedule annual inspections to ensure safe and efficient operation, and change the filters regularly to support indoor air quality. Calibrating the system is also important for an accurate reading.

2. Thermostat placement and usage

The thermostat placement can impact the overall comfort of your office. Since the thermostat measures the surrounding air temperature to regulate the furnace and air conditioning, placing it in direct sunlight or near vents can cause inaccuracies.

If possible, place the thermostat in a central location. Having it installed roughly five feet above the floor can help avoid significant temperature variations and ensure the area around it is free from obstructions. You might also place integrated temperature sensors around the office.

3. Employee feedback and engagement

To determine employee comfort levels, get feedback on temperature preferences. Send out comment forms and surveys to identify common pain points. Consider creating a remote or hybrid work policy that supports workers’ comfort and productivity.

Related: How to Create and Use Company Surveys to Gain Employee Insight

Best practices for setting the ideal office temperature

Having a transparent temperature policy and allowing for flexible solutions can help employers and managers ensure employee satisfaction.

Creating a temperature policy

Employees are often more accepting of policies when they understand the reasoning behind them. Communicate a clear temperature policy, either verbally or in writing, that outlines how the indoor climate accommodates varying needs.

To create a temperature policy, consider these guidelines:

• State the policy’s purpose, which is to maintain a comfortable, productive environment and consider employee preferences and operational constraints.

• Specify acceptable temperature ranges for different seasons, acknowledging OSHA workplace temperature guidelines.

• Establish a system for collecting employee feedback.

Implementing flexible solutions

When safe and practical, consider letting workers use small space heaters or desk fans to improve their comfort and focus levels.

Balancing cost and comfort

To support a productive environment, consider implementing strategies to find the right balance between employee comfort and energy costs, such as installing smart thermostats, setting up zoned heating and cooling, scheduling routine HVAC maintenance and using natural ventilation.