Office workers cannot stand the heat

Optimum office temperature and the effect this has on efficiency.

Sleeping on the job, more arguments, increased stress, sweaty colleagues and bad odours are causing office workers across Britain to switch off at work because their offices are too hot this summer.

A national YouGov survey, part of a new research project commissioned by Daikin Airconditioning UK into the optimum office temperature and the effect this has on efficiency, has revealed that nearly two-thirds (62%) of British office workers are too hot at work during the summer months.

Unsurprisingly, this impacts on workforce efficiency, with 63% saying the wrong temperature makes them sleepy and lethargic and 59% feeling less productive.

Just under a third (28%) of people also suffer from increased stress and a quarter (25%) become miserable.

Who suffers the most?.

* Men suffer the most from being too hot in their office, with just under two thirds of men (66%) too hot compared to 59% of women.

* Office workers in Wales and the west suffer the most from office heat, with over three quarters (76%) too hot during the summer at work.

This is followed by office workers in Scotland (65%) and Lancashire (65%).

* The younger generation (18-29 year olds) seem to suffer the most, with just under two thirds (63%) claiming they feel sleepy and 30% feeling miserable.

Stressed out!.

Stress already affects one in five people at work and costs UK industry £3.7 billion each year, making it one of the most serious problems facing employees and employers alike.

Caused by a number of factors such as relationships with colleagues, longer working hours, too much work or too much pressure, office temperature is also a major contributor to rising stress levels amongst British workers.

Gladeana McMahon, the original Big Brother stress counsellor, said: "Constant tiredness from irregular sleeping patterns, headaches, sexual problems, nail biting and increased use of alcohol or cigarettes are common signs of physical stress".

"Psychologically, you may also become more irritable and frustrated, depressed, angry and lose concentration".

"Being subjected to an office that is too hot for over eight hours a day will only add to the stress people are under in offices throughout the country." Top office turn-offs There are a number of factors that turn people off when their office is too hot in the summer:.

* Just under half (46%) of workers said office stuffiness and no circulating air was most off-putting.

* Over one in five (22%) workers are put off by bad odours in the office or from sweaty colleagues.

* 13% of workers said having to wear a suit or restrictive clothing is the most off-putting when it's too hot.

Keep your cool.

Gladeana McMahon and Daikin Airconditioning UK have teamed up to offer those without air conditioning the top ten tips for keeping cool this summer in their office:.

1.

Drink plenty of water -The British Dietetic Association advises the average adult should consumer 2.5 litres of water per day and this is even more important as dehydration sets in when you are too hot.

2.

Wear bright coloured clothes - as bright colours are energising and excite the emotions, making you feel better.

3.

Where possible and sensible, wear fewer clothes and choose loose fitting clothes that are more comfortable.

4.

Draw blinds to keep the sun out in the day and try to work away from direct sunlight.

5.

Although it's tempting, avoid sitting in the sun too long at lunch, as this will overheat your body.

6.

Be considerate to your colleagues as the heat will be making them stressed and irritable as well.

7.

Close down any non-essential electrical equipment, as this effects the internal environment.

8.

Take spare clothes and deodorant into work so you can freshen up.

9.

Try and avoid excessive amounts of meetings in confined spaces / meeting rooms.

10.

Invest in air conditioning to effectively control your internal environment.

John Durbin, sales planning manager at Daikin Airconditioning UK commented: "There is currently no statutory limit or government legislation set for the upper temperature in a workplace".

"However, creating a comfortable workplace environment is essential to maximise productivity and reduce stress".

"This research highlights a close correlation between a person's working performance and the temperature of their immediate surroundings".

"By introducing internal climate control measures, UK businesses will not only be making their employees feel happier and more comfortable, but it will also help boost productivity".

The national survey is part of a wider campaign by Daikin Airconditioning UK to raise awareness about the importance of creating the optimum temperature for maximising workforce efficiency.

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