Keep an eye on how warm or cold it is inside the office.
One of the quickest ways to reduce employee morale and productivity is to leave them in uncomfortable working conditions. Keep an eye on how warm or cold it is inside the office. After all, different temperature levels and constant fluctuations could make allergic reactions to allergens and mold that much worse. Here is a look at the effect that temperature has on your office workers.
The Temperature Matters
Finding the right temperature to keep everyone comfortable is incredibly important. While it’s easy enough for your employees to follow common sense by wearing short sleeves and fewer layers in the summer and spring and bundling up in the cold of the winter and fall, they shouldn’t feel just as cold inside as they are outside in the depths of winter. Adding or removing layers, turning fans on and off, and getting drinks can take them away from time spent completing their work. Plus, if your employees are unhappy or distracted because it’s cold, they will be unwilling to focus on necessary tasks, and their workflow will suffer accordingly.
Optimal Temperature Ranges
While OSHA has never issued official guidelines on optimal temperature ranges, some temperatures work better than others. Set the temperature somewhere between 68 degrees and 76 degrees. This depends on the season and the weather outside, as some days in late December can still be warmer than others, especially while the sun is still out. You will also want to monitor the humidity in your office. The cold winter months tend to be less humid, and although this can inhibit the growth of mold and other microorganisms hiding in the ducts of your office’s HVAC system, it can still cause health problems for your employees. Make sure the humidity levels are somewhere between 20% and 60%.
Pointers for Setting Temperature
Survey your employees and ask them how comfortable they feel. Pass this information along to building owners and property managers if they need to see it. Also, don’t allow the employees to touch the thermostat. Lastly, make sure all necessary repairs and other maintenance tasks are done in a timely fashion, as well.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!