New research reveals what it is that gets British workers most hot under the collar.
Nearly half of office workers (47 per cent) cite differences over the office temperature as the aspect of their working environment that causes the most frustration in the workplace, according to a survey of 1,371 UK adults in full or part time employment by heating specialists, Emo Oil.
More than half (57 per cent) consider their office too hot, whilst 43 per cent state the opposite that the office temperature is in fact far too cold for working conditions.
Two thirds (63 per cent) state that the temperature affects their productivity in the working day. And as many as one in six (17 per cent), even admit to having asked their manager to work from home, due to being unhappy with the temperature in their working environment.
A third (32 per cent) of respondents reveal that the office temperature even leads to regular arguments among colleagues in their place of work.
More than 27 per cent of employees said they bring personal items into the office, such as fans, hot water bottles and blankets.
Suzanne Waddell, marketing manager at Emo Oil, says, ‘It’s surprising to see that the office temperature is such a point of contention in UK workplaces.
‘It seems here in the UK, we just can’t agree on acceptable temperatures, so much so that it is leading to dips in productivity and rows amongst colleagues at work. We recommend an impartial member of staff – such as someone in facilities – regularly reviews the office temperature according to the outside temperature.’
According to the survey, those working in information and communications had some of the hottest offices in the UK (86 per cent), with those working in facilities management having the coldest offices (15 per cent).
Top five sectors with the hottest office temperature
Information and communications – 86 per cent
Marketing – 82 per cent
Professional service (law, accountancy) – 78 per cent
Education – 73 per cent
Creative and photographic – 71 per cent
Top five sectors with the coldest office temperature
Retail – 27 per cent
Healthcare – 25 per cent
Construction – 19 per cent
Oil and Utilities – 17 per cent
Facilities Management – 15 per cent
Further reading on workplace frustration
