How to improve thermal comfort in the office?

Thermal comfort in the office is a balance of temperature, humidity and air movement that makes people feel good. To achieve this comfort in winter, the temperature needs to be between 21 and 23°C.

It is the employer's duty to provide a thermal environment that respects workers' health. It should be noted that an ambient temperature of 19°C is often considered acceptable for working without changing working conditions.

Reducing the temperature by one degree can help save 7% on energy bills. Actions such as taking sports breaks, drinking hot beverages and dressing appropriately can also improve thermal comfort.

This shows the importance of heating and insulation in offices to ensure a good working environment and good health.

Defining thermal comfort in the working environment

What is thermal comfort?

Thermal comfort means feeling good inside, without being too hot or too cold. This happens when our body maintains a good temperature balance with little effort.

To work well in the office in winter, the best temperature is between 21 and 23°C. The law also states that the heat must be right for the type of work being done.

We need to insulate well and use solar protection to help maintain this temperature. The clothes employees wear and what they drink also play an important role.

Adjusting these things helps to keep them comfortable. Finally, changing the way work is organized may be necessary to maintain the right thermal comfort.

What parameters influence thermal comfort in the office?

There are many factors that influence thermal comfort in the office. The ideal temperature is between 21 and 23°C during the winter months, to ensure thermal equilibrium.

Relative humidity also plays a crucial role, staying between 40% and 70% to prevent discomfort. Next, air speed must not exceed 0.2 m/s to maintain a pleasant sensation.

Appropriate clothing helps to regulate body temperature; wearing layers can help during the colder seasons. Light physical activity, such as taking sports breaks, also influences thermal comfort by generating body heat.

Finally, radiation, or direct exposure to hot or cold sources, can alter the sensation of ambient temperature, requiring good insulation and lighting management to avoid heat loss.

Significant variation in these factors can cause thermal discomfort, underlining the importance of proper indoor environment management.

💡 Read our articles on your rights and obligations in the event of a heatwave.

The stakes of thermal comfort for health, productivity and quality of life at work

Thermal comfort in the office influences employee health. A well-adjusted temperature, between 21 and 23°C in winter, helps prevent fatigue and illness. Humidity should be between 40% and 70% for well-being.

If the office is too hot or too cold, employees may experience health problems. This can lead to more absences from work.

The right temperature also improves productivity. When employees feel good, they work better. One study shows that a one-degree drop in heating saves 7% energy and does not impair performance.

Companies that pay attention to thermal comfort often see a better quality of life at work. This makes employees happier and more loyal to the company.

Regulations and recommendations: what the law says

Employers must maintain an appropriate temperature in their offices. Generally speaking, this temperature is between 21 and 23°C in winter. The law does not set a precise temperature, but it does require the employer to protect the physical and mental health of employees.

A temperature of 19°C can be used for heating without being considered a significant change in working conditions.

The French Labor Code requires that premises be heated to ensure a suitable thermal environment. This must be done without creating draughts. ISO standard 7730 recommends a temperature of between 20°C and 22°C, but is not binding on employers.

These rules are designed to guarantee thermal comfort in the workplace and limit health risks for employees.

Workplace temperature standards: references from INRS, ADEME and the French Labor Code

To understand temperature standards in the workplace, let's refer to the benchmarks set by INRS, ADEME and the French Labor Code. Here's a table summarizing these important points:

This information shows that ideal temperatures can vary, but generally tend to be between 20 and 23°C for optimum comfort. Employers must take care to adapt the thermal environment to workers' physical activity and weather conditions.

Employer's obligations regarding thermal conditions

Employers must provide a thermal environment suitable for work. The recommended temperature for an office in winter is between 21 and 23°C. Premises must be kept draught-free.

Inappropriate thermal conditions can damage employees' health.

Responsibility for thermal conditions lies with HR and QHSE. They must assess thermal risks whenever organizational changes are made. In the event of non-compliance, the employer is liable to sanctions.

Failure to comply can also increase absenteeism and affect well-being at work.

Special cases: warehouses, industrial sites, shared spaces

Warehouses and industrial sites have specific needs in terms of thermal comfort. In these large spaces, temperatures can vary enormously. It's essential to install a good heating and ventilation system.

For example, a heat pump can be effective in maintaining a pleasant temperature, even with very low outside temperatures.

Shared spaces, such as open-plan offices, also need to be well thought out. Ambient air must be kept cool in summer and warm in winter. Using blinds and improving thermal insulation can help.

These adjustments reduce energy consumption while providing a good sense of thermal comfort. Teams should also take action to air the premises regularly.

This contributes to everyone's well-being.

Technical levers to guarantee thermal comfort

To guarantee good thermal comfort, we need to take action on heating and ventilation. In winter, the comfort temperature should be between 21 and 23°C. It's advisable to switch on the heating as soon as the temperature drops to 19°C.

This helps maintain a pleasant atmosphere. The recommended air speed is 0.2 m/s or less. This avoids unpleasant draughts.

In summer, cooling spaces is essential. Air-conditioning can be effective, but there are other solutions. Natural ventilation through openings can help maintain a pleasant indoor temperature.

Thick curtains and seals can improve insulation. They retain heat in winter and protect from the sun in summer. Good management of these systems ensures a comfortable and pleasant workplace for all.

Winter heating management: technical solutions and best practices

In winter, good heating management is essential for comfort in the office. Here are a few best practices and technical solutions.

• Installing condensing boilers optimizes energy efficiency. These boilers use less energy and heat indoor air better.
• Heat pumps (PAC) offer an efficient heating solution. They consume little energy while maintaining a pleasant temperature.
• Comfortable temperatures should be between 21 and 23°C in winter. This helps create a pleasant working environment.
• Turning on the heating only when the temperature drops below 19°C saves energy.
• Maintaining a temperature difference between indoors and outdoors of 6 to 8°C is recommended. This helps maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
• Taking regular breaks improves well-being at work. Offering hot drinks can also contribute to thermal comfort.
• Ensuring a relative humidity of between 40% and 70% is important to avoid over-drying the air. A good level of humidity also contributes to employee health.
• Airing the premises several times a day helps to renew the indoor air. Good ventilation avoids problems linked to gases or pollutants in the air.

These good practices not only improve comfort, but also contribute to responsible energy consumption in the office.

Cooling spaces in summer: ventilation, air conditioning and passive alternatives

It's important to keep offices cool in summer. There are several ways of doing this.

• Air conditioning offers precise temperature control. It plays an active role in maintaining comfort. Yet it can consume a lot of energy.
• Airing spaces regularly contributes to good ventilation. This passive method prevents excessive heat. A simple draught can cool a room.
• Installing solar protection on windows helps reduce heat. Sunshades can block the sun's rays. This limits the greenhouse effect in the office.
• Using fans can improve air circulation. Fans often consume less energy than air conditioning. They provide a feeling of freshness without consuming too much energy.
• Adjusting work schedules also helps. Avoiding hot hours can make the office more pleasant. Telecommuting is a good way to escape the summer heat.
• Over-ventilation at night is an effective passive technique. Opening the windows at night allows heat accumulated during the day to escape.

Each of these solutions has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice will depend on the specific needs of each office and the budget available for the installation and replacement of existing systems.

Lighting, insulation and blinds: indirect levers often overlooked

Lighting, insulation and blinds play an important role in thermal comfort. Good lighting should be part of an energy-saving plan. This reduces costs while protecting workers' health.

Solar protection on windows helps maintain a pleasant temperature. They block the sun's heat in summer.

Improved insulation is essential during energy renovations. Replacing windows can greatly reduce heat loss. Draughts and poorly insulated areas often cause thermal discomfort in the office.

By taking care of these aspects, companies can create a more comfortable, energy-efficient working environment.

Regulation technologies and intelligent control

Control technologies improve thermal comfort. EGREEN offers services to optimize this comfort. An energy audit helps identify actions to improve energy efficiency.

This helps maintain office temperatures at a comfortable level for office work.

Heating and air-conditioning systems are intelligently managed via a dedicated platform. This makes it possible to monitor heating and cooling consumption. This makes it possible to reduce costs while maintaining a high level of comfort.

These technical solutions support an effective approach to energy savings.

BMS (Building Management System) for thermal comfort

BMS, or Building Management System, helps maintain the right temperatures in an office. It enables efficient management of heating and air conditioning. In winter, for example, the comfort temperature is between 21 and 23°C.

A BMS can adjust the heating to stay within this range. Reducing the heating by one degree saves 7% energy.

These systems use sensors to measure temperature and humidity. They ensure that humidity remains between 40% and 70%. This helps create a thermal comfort zone for employees.

A good BMS combats excessive heat or cold. This improves well-being at work.

Connected systems: thermostats, sensors, automation

Connected systems improve thermal comfort in the office. They include thermostats, sensors and automatic controls. Thermostats adjust heating according to ambient temperature.

This optimizes comfort and saves energy. Sensors monitor the thermal environment. They issue alerts in the event of excessive variations.

Automated systems control heating and air conditioning. These technologies help maintain a temperature in line with INRS recommendations, between 21 and 23°C in winter.

Thanks to this intelligent control, offices benefit from efficient management of energy consumption. Using these connected systems can reduce costs in the long term, while ensuring a pleasant working environment.

Energy monitoring and comfort: dashboards, alerts, optimization

Energy monitoring helps keep track of thermal comfort in offices. Dashboards display important data such as temperature, humidity and energy consumption.

These tools show whether the temperature remains within the optimum range for the human body. They can also be used to send alerts in the event of problems.

To optimize conditions, simple software is available. These tools can analyze the data and suggest improvements. For example, they can indicate when to activate electric heating or ventilation.

By using these systems, you can combat discomfort and ensure a healthy working environment.

Integrating thermal comfort into your QHCT and CSR strategy

Thermal comfort is essential for quality of life at work (QWL). Good office temperatures help reduce absenteeism. Appropriate thermal conditions have a direct impact on employee productivity.

Employers must comply with the French Labor Code. He must guarantee a thermal environment suited to office activity. A comfortable temperature is between 21 and 23°C in winter.

Adopting methods such as improved solar shading and ventilation can make a big difference. These actions contribute to greater energy efficiency.

They also reinforce the company's image as an employer. Promoting telecommuting can also be a solution. It helps create a more pleasant working environment for everyone.

Thermal comfort as a pillar of quality of life at work (QWL)

Good thermal comfort is essential for quality of life at work (QWL). The ideal temperature should be between 21 and 23°C in winter, and 23 to 26°C in summer. Temperature differences between indoors and outdoors of 6 to 8°C are recommended.

This helps avoid discomfort. Working in inappropriate conditions can increase employee stress.

Maintaining an adequate temperature is also an obligation under the French Labor Code. This protects employees' health. Turning down the heating by one degree in winter can save up to 7% in energy costs.

By encouraging sports breaks and hot drinks, employers show their commitment to the well-being of their teams. Well-designed offices also avoid cold zones.

A lever for reducing absenteeism and improving employer image

Thermal comfort is important for workers' health. The right temperature helps reduce absenteeism. A pleasant thermal environment increases well-being at work.

Happy employees are absent less often. It also improves the employer's image.

Flexible working hours can also contribute to this positive image. In 2023, telecommuting was shown to reduce absenteeism. Companies that take action in favor of thermal comfort present themselves as responsible.

They show that they care about their employees and their well-being.

How to reconcile energy efficiency and occupant comfort

It's essential to strike the right balance between thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Heating offices only from 19°C helps to save money. A 1°C reduction in heating can result in energy savings of 7%.

Using warm clothing keeps employees comfortable without over-consuming energy. Building insulation also plays a key role. It preserves heat in winter and coolness in summer.

Maintaining a relative humidity of between 40% and 70% ensures optimum comfort. An air speed of no more than 0.2 m/s also contributes to employee well-being. Energy audits help identify where thermal efficiency can be improved.

It is important to include actions on lighting and heating in the energy-saving plan. This must also include work organization, including telecommuting, to enhance comfort.

Employee involvement and eco-gestures

Employee involvement is crucial for good thermal comfort. Employees can adopt simple gestures. Using plaids, dressing warmly and taking sports breaks all help to maintain a pleasant temperature.

These actions also reduce energy costs.

Employers need to communicate about heating decisions. Involving representatives is important for reducing temperatures. In addition, every employee can enjoy hot drinks to feel better while working.

Installing insulation solutions in offices limits heat loss. An energy audit can also identify essential actions to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Good day-to-day practices: ventilation, dressing, working hours, hydration

Thermal comfort in the office depends on simple daily gestures. Adopting these practices helps maintain a good atmosphere.

• Ventilate workspaces regularly. Fresh air reduces heat and improves comfort.
• Dress according to the season. In winter, wear warm clothes like wool or cashmere. This helps keep the heat in.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking water and hot beverages improves well-being.
• Balance your activity schedules. Adjust your breaks according to outside temperatures to stay comfortable.
• Use blinds to regulate sunlight. They help control heat entering the office.
• Plan ventilation times on hot days. This promotes cooler air without increasing humidity.
• Organize offices to avoid heat conduction zones. A good layout minimizes cold draughts.

These simple gestures support your thermal comfort every day at work.

Raising employee awareness of the challenges of comfort and energy performance

Making employees aware of the importance of comfort is essential. A comfortable office temperature should be between 21 and 23°C. Teams can save energy by lowering the heating by 1°C, which reduces energy consumption by 7%.

Simple displays of ideal room temperatures can help.

Quizzes or challenges can encourage employees to adopt eco-responsible gestures. For example, choosing the right clothes for the office helps combat the cold.

Active breaks during the day also promote a better metabolism. Involving teams improves well-being at work and boosts energy efficiency.

Involving teams in the continuous improvement process

Involving teams is crucial to improving thermal comfort in the office. An internal barometer can help assess employee needs. A suggestion box enables everyone to suggest solutions.

Comfort ambassadors can relay initiatives and give their opinion. This creates a sense of belonging. Employees feel listened to. They can suggest sports breaks or hot drinks.

These simple ideas can make a big difference.

Risk reassessment must include the employer, employees and their representatives. Explaining decisions about heating increases buy-in. When the team participates, it is more committed to continuous improvement.

Discussions on office layout and insulation installation also promote well-being at work. This collaborative approach can transform the working environment into a pleasant and productive place.

Diagnosis and continuous improvement of thermal comfort

Assessing the thermal comfort of your premises is essential. The ideal temperature for offices in winter is between 21 and 23°C. Heating offices to 19°C is also possible.

This does not affect employee health, according to INRS. A good difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures should be no more than 6 to 8°C.

A thermal audit is a good way of measuring comfort. A satisfaction survey can also help to understand employees' needs. An action plan can then be drawn up to improve the situation.

Prioritize, budget and monitor results. This helps ensure a pleasant working environment while minimizing constraints.

How to assess thermal comfort in your premises?

Use simple tools to assess the thermal comfort of your premises. A thermometer can be used to measure temperature. Place it in different places to see the differences.

CO₂ probes help monitor air quality. They measure the level of carbon dioxide. This indicates whether ventilation is sufficient.

An anemometer measures the speed of air currents. To avoid discomfort, it should be less than or equal to 0.2 m/s. Carry out a thermal audit to collect this data.

Ask employees how they feel. This will give you a good idea of comfort at work. The recommended temperature is between 21 and 23°C in winter. Humidity should also be kept between 40% and 70% to enhance well-being.

Carry out a thermal audit or internal satisfaction survey

The thermal audit begins with an assessment of the premises. Heating and ventilation systems need to be examined. An analysis of temperatures in work areas is also necessary.

This identifies areas that are too cold or too hot. Next, it's important to gather feedback from employees. A questionnaire can help measure their satisfaction with thermal comfort.

The questionnaire template should include simple questions. For example, ask employees if they are comfortable with the ambient temperature. It's also useful to know their preferences regarding ventilation and lighting.

Evaluating employee satisfaction helps to better understand thermal comfort needs. This enables us to propose appropriate solutions to improve the quality of life at work.

Action plan: prioritize, budget, monitor results

An action plan is essential for improving thermal comfort in the office. It helps to set precise objectives and monitor progress.

1. Assess thermal comfort needs. Identify areas where the temperature does not meet INRS and Labor Code standards.
2. Prioritize actions according to their impact on thermal comfort. First select the major problems causing discomfort, such as insufficient heating or poor insulation.
3. Budget each action. Calculate the cost of the work required, particularly for heating, ventilation and energy renovation systems.
4. Set success indicators. Track criteria such as employee satisfaction and reduction in temperature-related complaints.
5. Establish an action schedule. Plan when to carry out each action to avoid disrupting day-to-day work.
6. Involve employees in the process. Ask them to share their feedback on the effectiveness of the changes made.
7. Regularly monitor the results obtained after each intervention. Analyze whether the new systems are working well, and whether the quality of working life is improving.

This plan must be dynamic and regularly reviewed to adapt to new constraints and optimize thermal comfort in the company, especially in a "saint juste saint rambert" context or during plumbing work linked to heating or hot water.

Conclusion

Improving thermal comfort in the office is essential. We need to take action on temperature, humidity and ventilation. Simple gestures can make a big difference. Every employee needs to understand his or her role in this process.

Better comfort helps everyone's performance and well-being. This is our chance to improve our working environment.

FAQ

1. What is thermal comfort in the office?

Thermal comfort in the office refers to an operating temperature that allows light activity without causing discomfort.

2. How can we improve thermal comfort in the office?

Thermal comfort can be improved by installing a low-energy heating and ventilation system, regulating minimum and maximum temperatures, and providing solar protection to minimize the temperature rise caused by the sun.

3. What role does radiant temperature play in thermal comfort?

Radiant temperature has a direct impact on the skin's surface and can influence our perception of heat or cold. Good management of this temperature contributes to better thermal comfort.

4. How can energy renovation help improve thermal comfort?

Energy renovation work, such as the installation and replacement of heating systems, can help improve thermal comfort by optimizing the use of heating oil and ensuring a constant temperature.

5. Why is it important to be vigilant about thermal comfort in the office?

Maintaining vigilance over thermal comfort is crucial to preventing psychosocial risks and accidents linked to poor temperature management.

6. What impact does air have on thermal comfort?

The air vector, or outside air, can affect the operating temperature in the office. Good management of outside air can therefore help improve thermal comfort.

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