“The main purpose of an office environment is to support its occupants in performing their jobs.” That’s what Wikipedia says. The question is then: how does one create the optimal office environment?
We have previously covered how both temperature and humidity plays a role in this, so we thought it was about time, to give you some easy ‘here-and-now’ improvements that you can do in your office today.
If your office is too humid, which easily happens as the outside temperature rises, you can experience everything from sore eyes, dry throat, itchy or dry skin to a stuffy nose. If no aircon system has been installed, then it is high time to invest in one. Mechanical ventilation is absolutely essential in order to efficiently regulate the air refreshment cycle and keep the humidity under control. Another “easy fix” are plants! Plants in an office space can help to balance the humidity, and who can’t spend aed 50 in IKEA on a few new green buddies.
When it comes to office temperature, it will always be a matter of opinion. Some will be freezing, while others are reaching their boiling point. Whether the debate is presented as men versus women or cold-natured versus warm-natured, there's no one who can fight this battle for you. If you're uncomfortable, talk your managers, find a new part of the office to sit, crack a window or bring a sweater to work. It's unlikely you have the individual power to tamper with the workplace thermostat, so it will help to plan accordingly, to fit your office climate.
Here are a few small ‘tricks’ that might be of use to you:
Have some caffeine – or don’t
Coffee isn’t just keeping you awake – caffeine can warm you up by increasing your body’s metabolic rate and thereby your temperature. If coffee isn’t your thing, hot ginger tea provides a double warming dose: caffeine plus ginger to enhance the production of body heat.
Move to a warmer zone
If you’re cold, sitting near a window can be helpful. In the winter, the sun’s rays help warm you up and in the summer, if you’re lucky enough to have windows that open, you can crack a window to let some warmer air in (the building manager might have something to say about this eventually, so don’t get too used to it!).
Join the Fan-Club
Literally! If you’re about to melt away, buy one of those small fans that you can put on your desk and connect to your laptop. Not rocket-science, but you’ll thank us soon enough!
Take a walk
Not in a bad way. But get up and move around. Walk outside if you can, or even do a few laps around the floor. Not only will it get your blood pumping and warm you up, but you’ll also be closer to meeting your step goals and beating Karen from accounting on the office step challenge for the week.
We hope you found these tips helpful and remember: always keep a work sweater and a desk fan at your workstation!
If you’re interested in getting a better understanding of your indoor office environment a Well+Mate device might be just what you need. It tells you the temperature, humidity level, air quality and noise levels of the office in real time, and even better… it costs next to nothing and is super easy to install.
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