Did You Know Ideal Office Temperatures Are Based On A 40YO Man?

Have you ever noticed that men and women rarely agree on what the ideal office temperature should be? This discrepancy might stem from inherent differences in how men and women regulate their body temperatures, leading to contrasting comfort levels in the same environment.

Understanding these gender-based differences is not just about making the office more comfortable; it could also have financial, environmental, and morale-boosting benefits, as explained in Work Space Design.

Evidence Behind Temperature Sensitivity

Is there actual evidence supporting the notion that men and women experience temperatures differently? And what implications does this have for your business's efficiency and costs?

Historical Bias in Office Temperature Settings

A study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that most office buildings use temperature settings originally designed for men. The "thermal comfort model" that dictates ideal office temperatures was developed in the 1960s, based on the resting metabolic rate of a 154-pound, 40-year-old man. This model, created using Fanger’s Thermal Comfort model, has influenced air conditioning and heating standards for decades.

The standards, provided by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, calculate optimal temperatures by considering factors like ambient temperature, air speed, and heat radiation. However, these calculations are based on the metabolic rates and clothing choices typical of men from the 1960s.

In that era, office environments were predominantly male. Today, the workforce is much more gender-diverse, and using outdated metabolic rates may not accurately represent modern office workers. Dr. Kingma and Wouter van Marken Lichtenbelt highlight that the current model could overestimate women's heat production by up to 35%.

Findings from Recent Studies

We’ve all witnessed the scene: in a well-air-conditioned office during summer, women shiver in sweaters while men stay comfortable in light clothing. This visual evidence supports the idea of differing metabolic rates between genders.

In a study involving 16 young female students, researchers asked them to wear light clothing and sit in a respiration chamber that monitors carbon dioxide and oxygen levels. They also measured skin and body temperatures, finding that women's metabolic rates were 20% to 32% lower than men’s. Women preferred a temperature around 24°C (75°F), while men were more comfortable at about 21°C (70°F).

Adjusting office temperatures to better suit women could mean raising the thermostat by 2-3°C (5°F), potentially reducing energy consumption and costs. Men could adapt by dressing more lightly.

Potential Solutions

Several variables need consideration to resolve this temperature dilemma. For example, men often wear suits and dress shirts even in summer, which can be quite warm. Relaxing dress codes during warmer months might reduce the need for excessive air conditioning.

Improving building insulation is another solution. Proper insulation keeps buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter, proving to be an energy-efficient investment. Installing insulation is minimally disruptive and can often be completed in a single day.

Behavioural factors also play a role. People who are meticulous about their home heating bills may be less considerate about office energy use. Promoting the environmental benefits of moderate office temperatures could encourage more mindful thermostat settings.

Evaluating the Research

Research on this topic is limited. While the 1960s data is based on thousands of subjects, the recent study had only 16 participants, raising questions about its reliability. Critics, including Danish civil engineer Bjarne Oleson, argue that individual metabolic rate variations are more significant than gender differences. He suggests that clothing choices have a more substantial impact than gender on comfort levels and that men, who typically control office thermostats, are the primary reason for women feeling cold.

Despite these criticisms, Dr. Kingma maintains that the outdated metabolic rates used in office temperature settings are inaccurate.

Finding a Compromise

If your office struggles to find a mutually agreeable temperature, aim for a compromise. Consider factors like age, body type, and personal preferences, rather than letting the discussion become a gender battle. By acknowledging these differences and making small adjustments, you can create a more comfortable and energy-efficient workplace for everyone.