These findings are worth paying attention to, whether you're an employer, building owner, or property manager. At the risk of stating the obvious, comfortable workers are happier and more productive than uncomfortable ones. Conversely, creating an environment in which workers are uncomfortably hot or cold can lower worker productivity and ultimately impact on the financial performance of a business, whether located in a downtown high rise or suburban office campus.

So What's Comfortable?
Temperature is measured in degrees. Any 8 year-old knows that. On average, a comfortable room temperature usually falls in the 69-75 degree F. range. Any warmer or cooler and somebody's bound to complain. However, that's only true in theory, and as we all know employees aren't theories; they're living, breathing human beings with very personal preferences. One employee's comfort level may create discomfort for another. Workers sitting at desks on the same floor, or sometimes even right next to each other, can have totally different reactions to the same air temperature. When it comes to room temperature, perception is everything.

Additionally, factors such as relative humidity, air circulation, direct sunlight through unglazed windows, or even the presence of airborne contaminants such as smoke or dust can affect an individual's perception of how warm or cool the environment feels. This is not to say that a happy medium doesn't exist. Of course it does. But in light of personal preferences, giving workers the "power" to control air temperature in their immediate environment may pay dividends in greater worker satisfaction and increased productivity. Of course, providing them that control isn't always possible, or even cost effective, but it certainly is worth considering when worker satisfaction, productivity, and profitability are at stake.

Keeping Your Cool
So, what are some ways you can provide workers with a more comfortable office a more productive working environment? Here are a few professional temperature and tips that you can start using today:

1. Make certain your office building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been reevaluated following significant changes in floor plan layout and occupancy use, i.e., number of offices, size of individual suites, number of workers, and type of office equipment required. Any facility's HVAC system must handle a wide range of variables which can influence air temperature. For example, if an office space contains a number of computer monitors, each giving off 1100 watts, the demands on the building's HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature will be greater than for a space containing only filing cabinets.

2. Ensure that your HVAC system is performing at peak efficiency. Making sure that your equipment can handle the load requirements and is properly maintained on a regular basis by professional service mechanics, will safeguard its ability to deliver optimal heating and cooling. In addition, make sure ducts and diffusers are properly located and not blocked by book shelves, filing cabinets, or other obstacles so the office space receives a steady "wash" of air. This is especially important when offices have been redesigned or remodeled. Adequate insulation, proper ductwork design, diffuser type, and window glazing to minimize heat transfer are all factors which play a big part in keeping room temperature within a comfortable range.

3. Take all chronic complaints about air temperature seriously, and address any issues on a timely basis with a personal touch. Initially, you might take the low-tech approach, such as recommending small desk fans or space heaters. Sometimes just relocating a worker to another area of the same office may work wonders; other times, you may have to consider more permanent (and costly) solutions, such as retrofitting or redesigning office space. If feasible, you might also allow workers to set their own air temperature levels by installing office thermostats in individual suites. This will go a long way in demonstrating your commitment to tenant satisfaction.

4. Keep the lines of communication open with workers about air temperature and air quality issues. Make it a point to ask, on a bimonthly basis at least, whether they find the room temperature and air quality conducive to good working habits. Make sure office employees and tenants know your door is always open to discuss these important issues, whether you're a supervisor or a property manager. You can even "formalize" this front line feedback by sending out a semi-annual tenant survey on air temperature and air quality. Get their feedback, then use it to make improvements, both short- and long-term. And if you make improvements, communicate your plans so they know you take their concerns seriously.

5. Share with building occupants your commitment to create a comfortable office environment and just what temperature and just what temperature range you want to maintain in their work space. Interestingly, many office workers have more exacting standards for air temperature and air quality in the workplace than at home. Therefore you might take the opportunity to gently remind them that while you will do everything within reason to keep air temperatures comfortable, they should be willing to accept a room temperature in the range of 72 degrees F., plus or minus three degrees. Set your goals for office air temperature and if you can''t meet them, call your mechanical service provider for a diagnostic evaluation.

6. If you decide to upgrade or replace your HVAC equipment, choose a contractor with experience servicing your type of facility and load requirements. Make sure they are properly certified and remember to get competitive bids before making your final selection. One thing is for sure: Room temperature is important to office workers, so it should be important to you. Whether you're a building owner, employer, or property manager, providing workers with a comfortable ambient temperature in their work environment makes good business sense.

Other factors that affect productivity

What other factors besides air temperature contribute to a good work environment? Here are some of the other factors that can bring important benefits, including improved comfort, reduced complaints, and enhanced performance:

Adequate ventilation
One study found that tenant complaints were highest when the building was in economizer mode and lowest when the chillers were running at peak load. But how to avoid wasting energy by unnecessarily over-ventilating a building? Among the solutions used to control the ventilation are time-based ventilation, demand-based ventilation, carbon dioxide sensors, and mixed gas sensors. Additionally, air diffuser efficiency is important: An air diffusion performance index (ADPI) of 80 or higher is recommended for adequate air movement.

Proper humidity levels
Relative humidity levels should be maintained between 30 percent and 60 percent. If humidity gets too low, respiratory problems Ð and absenteeism Ñ can result; if it gets too high, bacteria may propagate in mechanical systems. So, humidity needs to be added to the air or removed from it accordingly. Directly controlling humidity levels can also reduce energy bills: In summer, lowering the humidity allows the body to evaporate moisture off the skin faster and stay cooler; in winter, raising the humidity allows a reduction in the temperature that would otherwise have been maintained.

Low level of air contaminants
Smoke, odors, dust, and microbial contamination contribute to poor indoor air quality. Regular inspections of filters, air diffusers, return air grills, and drip pans will ensure that they are clean and free of corrosion. Also, make certain that loading docks, parking garages, dumpster's, or other sources of air contaminants are no where near outside air intakes.

Proper noise and lighting control
If a work environment is too noisy, poor acoustics can be addressed through the deployment of sound-absorbing partitions or other barriers. Poor lighting, too, can give headaches to employees who spend the day at the computer. So make sure indoor lighting is at adequate levels and encourage workers to take regular breaks from prolonged computer work.

Good ergonomics
Office equipment that meets all ergonomic standards for comfort and safety is another key to work productivity. Having equipment that adapts or adjusts to different body sizes and proportions is vital. Chairs should provide ample lumbar support and the height of computer monitors and keyboards should be positioned for good posture.