Remark
The temperatures in our offices can be determined by a ‘thermal comfort model’ from the 1960s based on the comfort of a 40-year-old man. It’s time for all of us to have a warm winter
In the middle of the afternoon I put on my cardigan. The office used to only get colder.
With winter firmly in its grip on us, female office workers on the other side of the motu are likely to grab their cardies too.
Research consistently shows that women prefer — and even work better at — higher indoor temperatures than men. On average, women prefer an office temperature around 24C; men are most comfortable at around 21C.
The reasons lie in science.
At the same body weight, women have on average less muscle than men to generate heat. We have more fat between our skin and muscles, which makes our skin feel colder because it is a little further away from blood vessels. Women’s lower metabolisms also mean that we can produce less heat when we’re cold.
Then there are hormones. Women usually have large amounts of estrogen that widens the blood vessels in our extremities, which means more heat loss. We also have a lot of progesterone, which can restrict blood flow to the skin. As a result, women’s hands, feet and ears can be 3C cooler than men’s.
We are not alone. Males of many bird and mammal species have been shown to congregate in the shade, while females and offspring like to sunbathe on their own.
But here’s the kicker. The temperatures in our offices can be determined by a ‘thermal comfort model’ created in the 1960s based on what would be best for an average 40-year-old man.
If this is the case at your office, researchers estimate office temperatures will overestimate the resting heat production of women by as much as 35 percent.
It’s no wonder we reach for our cardies.
At this point, you might be wondering, what’s it all about? Just put on another layer of clothing and you’re done.
Well, sunshine, the thermostat debate has just flared up.
Found a study of 550 students women perform better on cognitive tasks in warmer environments and men do better when it is colder. It was found that women performed better on math and verbal tasks as the room temperature got higher. The opposite happened in men.
While the magnitude of the improved performance for individuals was not great, in a workplace and across a workforce, the temperature of our offices could have a chilling effect on productivity for half of us.
Yes, people, regardless of their gender, have individual preferences. Yes, age, body type and other factors influence our metabolism. And yes, office dress codes and the type of building we work in affect our comfort.
But when you’re huddled at your desk in three sweatshirts, two pairs of socks, and fingerless gloves, you’re not imagining it. You are also unlikely to be working to the best of your ability. Never mind that you feel valued or involved.
Encourage your employer to look at ways to personalize temperature control. Heated seat and foot warmers anyone? A rearrangement of the desk based on vents perhaps?
This way we can all have a wonderful winter.