Why is office air conditioning important?

It is likely that you can recall being too warm at work at one time or another, so you may be astonished to learn that there is no maximum temperature outlined in the UK Workplace Regulations 1992.

Surprisingly, it somewhat vaguely states: ‘During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.’

So, what constitutes ‘reasonable’, you might ask? And do these guidelines give businesses and corporations a bit too much leeway when it comes to keeping their staff cool? Possibly.

The Internal Facilities Management Association (IFMA) routinely conducts surveys regarding the nature of complaints most commonly made by employees. Popular gripes include excessive noise levels and insufficient workspaces, but office temperatures are, more often than not, at the very top of the list.

Here’s five reasons why it’s important to ensure your office is comfortable this summer:

• Improved productivity: A comfortable working environment, with cool temperatures, can boost productivity levels among employees. High temperatures can cause lethargy, discomfort, and drowsiness, which can negatively affect productivity and creativity.
• Health benefits: Cool temperatures can help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses. In addition, a cool environment can reduce the risk of headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms associated with heat stress.
• Enhanced employee morale: Providing a comfortable and pleasant working environment can improve morale and job satisfaction. This can lead to increased retention rates, higher engagement levels, and reduced absenteeism.
• Protection of office equipment: High temperatures can cause damage to office equipment such as computers, servers, printers, and other electronic devices. Excessive heat can cause equipment to overheat, malfunction, and potentially fail altogether, resulting in downtime and loss of productivity.
• Positive image: Maintaining a cool and comfortable working environment can boost the image of a company, both internally and externally. It shows that an organisation values the well-being of its employees and prioritises their comfort and productivity.

With the continual advancement of technology and the sheer volume of options now available, there really is no excuse for failing to have air conditioning within your workplace.

At Andrews Sykes, we offer a wide range of affordable, energy-efficient and practical solutions that cater for offices of any size, with aesthetics and budget limitations also considered before any proposal is made.

For many years, we have worked closely with facilities managers across the country to devise rental packages that tick all boxes. If it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment, then it is our responsibility to supply and install the correct equipment in a timely, prompt fashion. And we excel at this!

Do you have an air conditioning query that you need help with this summer? Then contact us today by calling 0800 211 611.