64% of UK Office Workers Regularly Too Hot or Too Cold
Offices across the UK are struggling to maintain a comfortable working temperature, with employees reporting widespread discomfort and energy waste, according to new research by Uswitch.
Findings show that temperature discomfort remains a common problem in UK offices, with 64% of workers regularly finding their workplace too hot or too cold. Nearly half (46%) say conditions frequently swing between extremes, while a further 23% report their office is consistently at one uncomfortable end of the scale.
Employees are Feeling the Impact
Temperature issues aren’t just a minor irritation. 62% of workers say it affects their ability to work, with 21% saying it happens often or very often. More than half (55%) admit to thermostat disputes with colleagues, while many take matters into their own hands:
- 42% wear coats and scarves indoors
- 34% bring in personal fans
- 23% use heaters at their desks
- 23% have left early or worked from home due to discomfort
Read More: How Business Owners Can Train Their Employees to Be More Energy-Efficient
Energy Waste is Rife
Poor temperature control doesn’t just affect productivity, it’s wasting energy too. Nearly one in three (31%) say heating or cooling is often left running in empty rooms, while almost a quarter (23%) report it’s left on overnight. A further 34% admit to windows being left open while air conditioning or heating is running.
As a result, 62% believe their workplace wastes energy on heating and cooling, with almost one in five (16%) saying it wastes “a lot”.
Read More: Energy-Efficient & Sustainable Manufacturing
Employers Under Pressure to Act
While 53% rate their employer’s energy management as good or excellent, a significant proportion (39%) describe efforts as average or poor. This is despite 71% of employees believing that better temperature control, such as automatic systems, could cut energy bills, with a quarter (25%) saying it would reduce costs “a lot”.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com comments:
“These findings show that uncomfortable office temperatures are a real issue for many workers, affecting how they feel and how well they can do their jobs. On top of that, a lot of energy is being wasted through inefficient heating and cooling.
“The good news is that small changes, like upgrading temperature controls, keeping systems well maintained, and avoiding heating or cooling empty spaces can make a big difference to comfort and costs.
“Once businesses have taken steps to improve their energy efficiency, they can go even further by finding better energy tariffs, ensuring they maximise savings while keeping their workplaces comfortable”