Workspace Temperature: Why Coworking Spaces Are a Safer and Greener Solution
While diligently working on your computer, solving a complex workload, your focus begins to shatter. Sweat accumulates on your forehead, blurring your vision and hindering concentration. The culprit? An inconsistent workplace environment that fails to maintain a comfortable temperature.
This seemingly minor issue may not resonate with everyone. However, for those who have and continue to experience this frustration, it represents a harsh reality. This temperature inconsistency disrupts productivity and introduces an unwelcome layer of stress into the workday.
The Best Alternative
Fortunately, a solution exists for this serious issue. Instead of going through the struggles of a traditional workplace environment, we can consider a shift to coworking spaces. These modern work environments are designed with an emphasis on sustainability, and address the very issue we’ve been discussing: temperature inconsistency. Let’s delve deeper into the impact of temperature in traditional workplaces and explore how coworking spaces offer a unique solution to this pervasive issue.
The Unique Connection of Temperature and Comfort
The temperature in our workspace has a significant impact on our performance, affecting not only our career trajectory but also our physical and mental health. Research indicates that the optimal workplace temperature range is between 21-23°C (70-73°F), with studies highlighting the potential health risks associated with significant deviations from this range.
The Possibility of Heatstroke
Excessive warmth triggers a series of physiological responses that affect both productivity and health. As body temperature rises, sweating intensifies in an attempt to cool down. This process, however, can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and other body discomforts, including headaches. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can even escalate to serious medical conditions like heatstroke.
The Problem With Cold Comfort
While less common in India, cold temperatures can be just as problematic to focus and productivity as excessive heat. When the temperature dips below 18°C, the body prioritizes maintaining core body temperature by constricting blood vessels to a higher degree. This redirection of blood flow can leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable. Furthermore, cold temperatures can hinder concentration and even lead to muscle stiffness and aches, further disrupting your workflow.
Interestingly, recent research reveals that temperature preferences vary by gender, with women typically preferring warmer environments (around 25°C) while men tend to prefer cooler settings (around 22°C). This diversity in thermal comfort highlights the importance of flexible climate control systems in modern workspaces.
Balancing Comfort and Cost
Air conditioners are considered a solution for dealing with heat issues in Indian offices. However, they present their own challenges.
Inflated Costs Due to Improper Use
Using the air conditioner at excessively low temperatures creates a double effect. First, it creates an uncomfortably cold environment, leading to problems associated with chilly temperatures. These can include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and even muscle aches, ultimately affecting employee well-being and productivity. Secondly, running the AC at such a low setting forces it to work much harder, resulting in high energy consumption. This translates to significantly higher operational costs for businesses.
Furthermore, neglecting proper maintenance of AC units can lead to severe health issues like respiratory problems for employees. Therefore, periodic inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure a comfortable and healthy workspace.
The Cost Of Ignoring Workspace Temperature
Many people don’t give much consideration to workspace temperature despite numerous study reports. However, ignoring this important issue often results in the following problems, as everything comes with a cost, including ignorance.
Low Productivity
Low productivity is the first and clearest indicator of a critical issue in a workspace. The temperature in a workspace plays a key role in achieving maximum productivity. Research has shown that temperature variations can lead to significant decreases in typing speed and substantial increases in errors, directly impacting work quality and output.
Increased Absenteeism
Extreme temperatures within the workspace can have severe effects on the immune systems of employees. When exposed to such conditions, individuals may experience a weakening of their immune response, making them more vulnerable to illnesses and infections. This vulnerability often leads to an increase in the number of sick leaves taken by employees. Eventually, the overall productivity and efficiency of the business will suffer badly.
Employee Burnout
The impact of a poorly managed workspace temperature extends far beyond physical health issues, directly contributing to employee burnout. Employees struggle to concentrate due to heat or cold throughout the workday in an uncomfortable environment. This discomfort creates fertile ground for frustration and irritability, leading to tension among colleagues and a general sense of negativity that permeates the entire work environment. This constant struggle not only hinders productivity but also fosters burnout, ultimately contributing to higher employee turnover rates.
In some countries, employees have even resorted to legal action citing unsafe working conditions due to extreme temperatures. Businesses that prioritize temperature control not only mitigate these risks but also create a more positive and productive work environment, helping to reduce burnout and retain valuable employees.
Optimal Solution
Coworking spaces are emerging as an optimal solution to the challenge of maintaining workspace temperature. Let’s delve into the key features that differentiate coworking spaces from traditional offices in this regard:
Modern Infrastructure
Coworking spaces boast modern, energy-efficient infrastructure, including well-maintained HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems designed for optimal performance. This ensures even distribution of cool or warm air throughout the workspace, creating a comfortable and consistent environment for all employees. Many contemporary coworking spaces now incorporate smart climate control systems that automatically adjust to occupancy and external conditions, maximizing both comfort and energy efficiency. This focus on temperature control creates a more positive and productive work atmosphere.
Collaborative Atmosphere
The open office layout and collaborative nature of coworking spaces can actually be beneficial in determining the optimal temperature in the workspace. Open communication and a sense of community often lead to discussions about temperature preferences. This collaborative approach can help identify a middle ground that keeps most occupants comfortable and minimizes discomfort due to temperature extremes. Given the diverse thermal preferences among different individuals, this democratic approach ensures everyone’s comfort is considered.
Beyond Cooling: A Holistic Approach
While modern HVAC systems are crucial for temperature control, coworking spaces’ approach extends to creating an optimal workspace environment holistically. They actively prioritize designs that maximize natural light and ventilation. Strategic placement of windows and doors further enhances comfort by promoting natural airflow, significantly reducing reliance on air conditioning.
This commitment to natural solutions offers multiple benefits: a more enjoyable work environment, a smaller environmental footprint due to lower energy consumption, and improved air quality. Many coworking spaces now integrate sustainable features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and zero-waste policies, demonstrating their commitment to both employee well-being and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability as Core Value
In 2025, sustainability in coworking spaces has evolved from an operational feature to a core value aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Modern coworking spaces are increasingly designed as green buildings with certifications, incorporating renewable energy sources, eco-friendly materials, and comprehensive waste management systems. This holistic approach to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also creates healthier, more inspiring workspaces for members.
More to Provide
Beyond ensuring a comfortable and productive workspace through temperature control, coworking spaces offer a wealth of additional advantages. Avoid juggling multiple concerns in conventional office spaces; instead, align yourself with current trends and embrace a workspace solution designed for modern professionals.
Choose The Best
GreenNest Coworking in Kochi offers a solution that prioritizes both your comfort and the environment. Our spaces feature state-of-the-art HVAC systems and designs that maximize natural light and ventilation, creating an optimal workspace experience. We maintain the ideal temperature range of 21-23°C, ensuring maximum productivity and comfort for all members.
But GreenNest goes beyond workspace temperature control. We provide customizable office environments, meeting rooms, event spaces, and even virtual office services – all with the latest amenities and a secure environment. Our commitment to sustainability includes energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly practices, and green building features that align with modern ESG standards.
More importantly, GreenNest fosters a collaborative community where like-minded professionals can connect, network, and thrive. Join us in Kochi’s premium location and explore our attractive packages. Together, let’s create a productive and sustainable future for your business.