What Temperature Should an Office Be?
- Cold Control
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Legal Requirements vs. Comfortable Conditions for a Productive Workplace
Getting the temperature right in your office isn’t just about keeping people comfortable- it’s about creating a space that supports health, safety, and productivity. Whether you’re an employer, office manager or employee, it’s important to understand both the legal obligations and the recommended temperature range for a pleasant and effective working environment.
Legal Requirements: What Does UK Law Say?
Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers are required to ensure that the temperature in all indoor workplaces is “reasonable” during working hours.
So, what does “reasonable” mean? The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers guidance:
Minimum recommended temperature for office work: 16°C
Minimum if the work involves physical effort: 13°C
There is no legal maximum temperature in UK law, although excessive heat that causes discomfort or risk may be subject to health and safety action if employees are affected.
What Temperature Can I Refuse to Work In?
Excessive heat in the workplace doesn't just affect comfort - it can significantly impair concentration, increase fatigue, and raise the likelihood of mistakes. In roles that involve detailed tasks, machinery, or safety-critical responsibilities, these errors can lead to accidents or serious health and safety risks, not just reduced productivity.
It's also important to recognise that heat affects individuals differently. For example, pregnant workers, people with underlying health conditions, and those taking certain medications may be more vulnerable to heat stress. Employers have a duty of care to consider these factors and take appropriate steps to ensure the working environment is safe and inclusive for everyone.
Employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including:
keeping the temperature at a comfortable level
providing clean and fresh air
Ideal Office Temperature for Comfort & Productivity
While the law outlines minimum standards, achieving a comfortable and productive environment often requires more fine-tuning.
Studies have shown that the ideal office temperature for productivity sits between 21°C and 23°C. At this range, people tend to:
Concentrate better
Experience fewer complaints
Make fewer errors
Stay more engaged
Temperature Ranges and Typical Effects:
Temperature (°C) | Impact on Workers |
Below 18°C | Feels cold, reduced typing accuracy, discomfort |
21–23°C | Optimal for focus, comfort, and productivity |
24–26°C | Generally acceptable but may feel warm to some |
Over 27°C | Can feel oppressive, sluggish performance, increased complaints |
Tips for Managing Office Temperature
To prevent employees from working in uncomfortable or extreme temperatures, installing air conditioning units in your office can make a significant difference.
Modern air conditioning systems offer precise climate control, allowing you to circulate air at a consistent, customisable temperature throughout the day. This creates a more stable and comfortable environment for everyone, helping to reduce temperature-related complaints and support overall wellbeing and productivity in the workplace.
Use zoned climate control if possible, for different office areas
Use of smart thermostats - Smart thermostats intelligently regulate indoor temperatures by detecting occupancy and responding to external weather conditions. By automatically adjusting settings throughout the day, they help maintain optimal comfort levels while reducing the need for manual intervention - ultimately lowering energy usage and improving efficiency.
Maintain and service HVAC systems regularly to ensure consistent temperature control
Monitor humidity levels - ideally between 40% and 60% for comfort
FAQ: Office Temperature in the UK
Q: Is there a legal maximum office temperature in the UK?
A: No. The UK does not specify a maximum legal temperature, but employers must ensure conditions do not cause health or safety issues.
Q: Can I refuse to work if it’s too hot or cold?
A: If the temperature creates a health risk or causes serious discomfort, employees should raise concerns with their employer or health and safety representative. In extreme cases, HSE may need to be contacted.
Q: What if colleagues disagree about the ideal temperature?
A: Aim for a compromise within the 21°C–23°C range. Use fans or desk heaters for individual comfort where safe and appropriate.
Q: Should employers provide air conditioning?
A: It's not a legal requirement, but in modern offices, especially in warmer months, it’s considered best practice to provide some form of cooling or ventilation.
Keep Your Office Comfortable All Year
While UK law provides general guidance on workplace temperatures, the ideal office environment balances legal compliance with employee comfort. Keeping the temperature in the sweet spot not only improves morale - it directly boosts focus and productivity.
At Cold Control, we specialise in air conditioning systems for commercial and office environments. Whether you're dealing with chilly mornings or stifling summer afternoons, our expertly installed systems offer efficient heating in the winter and reliable cooling in the warmer months.
We offer a free, no-obligation site survey to assess your space and recommend the best solution tailored to your needs. Let us help you create a comfortable, productive workplace all year round.
Contact Cold Control today to book your free site survey.