Proper Air Conditioning in the Office is Important for Employee Safety and Comfort

The link between employee well-being and productivity is now a well established fact. It is becoming all the more common for employers to dedicate time and resources to ensuring their staff are comfortable and well looked after. From dedicated break rooms, to gym memberships and flexible working environments; there are a number of ways employers can improve well being for their employees.

One key element central to employee comfort and well-being is the temperature and air quality of the working environment. It’s pretty tricky to concentrate when you’re unable to get comfortable in the sweltering heat of summer or shivering on the edge of your chair on a frosty winter morning.

Whilst there is no legal requirement for air conditioning in offices, as an employer, you have certain obligations under the law regarding what’s referred to as thermal comfort.  According to the HSE, “thermal comfort describes a person’s state of mind in terms of whether they feel too hot or too cold.”

Why is Proper Air Conditioning Important in the Office?

Beyond the legal obligations, there are a number of reasons why proper air conditioning is important.

Employee Health and Well-Being

Proper ventilation and air conditioning can help prevent the spread of nasty bugs that thrive in warm, damp conditions. Likewise, many conditions such as joint pain, arthritis and the like are massively worsened by overly cold temperatures. Air conditioning can also help prevent other health risks, such as mould and damp.

Increased Productivity

Employee comfort has a tremendous impact on productivity. Understandably, employees who are too cold or too hot are less able to concentrate on assigned tasks and more likely to take extended breaks. Adaptive behaviour only goes so far.

Improved Morale

A comfortable workplace is a happy work place. By creating a positive and pleasant work environment, you’re showing your employees that you value them. This can make a significant difference to your company culture.

If you’re interested in learning more about how an air conditioning system could benefit your business, contact Sovereign Planned Services Ltd on 0800 243 638 to speak to a member of our team.