No more cold feet: This temperature is ideal in the office

Last year, the German government drew up an energy-saving ordinance – which also states that public buildings may only be heated to 19 degrees Celsius from October. Although this regulation does not apply to your employer, many companies have still turned down the temperature in their offices. But how cold is actually allowed from a labor law perspective? And what is the ideal office temperature? We've researched it for you!

Office temperature: What labor law says

Like so many things, the temperature at the workplace in Germany is regulated. It always depends on the severity of the work and is regulated in the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV). However, this only states that a "health-promoting" temperature must prevail in the work rooms.

For precisely this reason, the Workplace Ordinance was supplemented by the so-called Technical Rules for Workplaces. Here, physical strains are divided into three levels: light, medium, and heavy. Specifically, the following temperature limits should be observed to avoid health risks:

• Physically light, sedentary activity: 19 degrees Celsius
• Physically light activity, standing or walking: 18 degrees Celsius
• Moderately heavy, predominantly sedentary activity: 18 degrees Celsius
• Moderately heavy activity, largely standing: 16 degrees Celsius
• Physically heavy activity: At least 12 degrees
• Break and first-aid rooms: At least 21 degrees

With the energy-saving ordinance that came into force in October, it is now permitted to fall below these values – within a health-safe range. However, a fixed minimum temperature is not intended. Rather, the regulation serves to minimally adjust the temperature in offices to save energy.

If your company has a works council, it is obliged to check the office temperature. If the temperature falls below the legally regulated limits, countermeasures must be taken. These are less spectacular than you might initially think and could look like this, for example:

• Heaters to increase the office temperature
• Appropriate clothing is provided
• Warm-up and break times are introduced

Important: If the temperature falls below the minimum values, you do not immediately have the right to refuse to work. Your first point of contact should always be the works council.

Only when the working temperature in the office or factory hall is so low that it endangers health may you stop working and go home. However, you are then responsible for proving the negative health consequences. Here, too, you should first contact the works council.

There is also a simple, inexpensive method to keep you from getting cold at work: a height-adjustable desk, for example from Deskspace. With it, your body is continuously in slight motion, even if you barely notice it. Thanks to so-called micro-movements, your body is never at a standstill, and you automatically get a little warmer – in addition, the height-adjustable desk promotes healthier posture and better blood circulation.

All these factors affect your thermal perception, even if the actual room temperature in the office has not changed. Would you like to know more about this? Then check out the Deskspace website!

What is the ideal temperature in my office?

If you have a private office, you can usually decide how warm it should be – at least within certain limits set by your employer. But in open-plan offices, disputes quickly arise when it comes to room temperature. Some people work better at 19 degrees, while others still feel cold. People who are particularly sensitive to cold may even need 23 degrees so that they don't freeze when sitting. But what is actually the ideal temperature in the office?

Several factors are important in the office: concentration, productivity, and performance – all these points are promoted by a cooler room temperature. This is because the brain's oxygen supply is better guaranteed in a cooler room than in a heated one. However, women differ greatly from men here, as they are still more efficient even at higher temperatures – therefore, a middle ground should always be found for the office temperature.

Experts recommend a room temperature of 19 degrees Celsius in the office. This is neither too warm nor too cold for most people and is now standard in many offices.

Unsuitable office temperature: What I can do

It can quickly happen that the office temperature does not match your preferences. If there are temperature fluctuations or your colleagues have agreed on a higher temperature, it quickly becomes uncomfortable for you. Here are some tips you can use to still feel comfortable.

Regular ventilation is a tip that can quickly help you if the office temperature is too high for you. The fresh air stimulates your oxygen supply and gives you a small energy boost. It's best to set a timer so you're reminded to ventilate at least every two hours. Even a tilted window can help if the office temperature is too high.

If you sit for a long time at too high a temperature, your circulation slows down – you get tired and are sluggish by mid-day and not as productive as you could be. If you cannot influence the office temperature, it is important to follow some tips here too. Regular changes of position ensure that your circulation gets going – even short walks help significantly. In addition, you should drink a lot (water!), because then you will stay fit and concentrated for a long time even at high temperatures.

Tip: Even when choosing your workspace, you can make sure that you are not sitting in the warmest corner of the room. Find a shady spot with sufficient airflow.

Conclusion: Office temperature

In Germany, it is a great advantage that the office temperature is also subject to certain regulations. They respect human needs and ensure that you don't have to worry about this aspect at least at work. In case of doubt, you can always contact the works council if something seems harmful to your health. However, if you follow the tips & temperature limits mentioned above, you don't have to worry!

A height-adjustable desk from Deskspace has a great influence on your perception of temperature. Through constant movement and better blood circulation, you automatically get warmer and can also concentrate better. Studies have also shown that people who work at a height-adjustable desk have a stronger urge to move – which of course also promotes your health!