Summer, sun, heat. ☀️
What sounds like summer fun at the weekend quickly becomes a test of endurance in the office: Declining concentration, physical stress, and a noticeable drop in performance levels.
This article will explore all the key regulations surrounding room temperature in the workplace, covering everything from legal requirements and health implications to innovative solutions for a more comfortable and productive working environment. We will also demonstrate how our movement-promoting office furniture can help you stay cool, even during hot day at the office.
Is there a right to time off due to the heat? So, what does the labour law say about the temperature in the workplace?
So much for that: There isn´t such a thing as a „right to time off due to the heat“, however, employers have a duty of care.They are responsible for ensuring that excessive heat does not cause any health problems.
💡 This is what the german law states:
The person entitled to services shall furnish and maintain any rooms, equipment, or devices that he or she is required to procure for the performance of the services, and shall organize any services to be performed under his or her direction or supervision in such a way that the person obligated to perform the services is protected against danger to life and health to the extent that the nature of the service permits."
- BGB § 618
The so-called Workplace Ordinance, together with the technical rules for workplaces (ASR A3.5), sets guidelines for room temperature in offices. The following recommendations apply to office workplaces:
- 20–22 °C: Comfort zone for sedentary work
- Bis 26 °C: Comfort zone for sedentary work and high outside temperatures
- Ab 26 °C: Measures to reduce the heat (e.g., blinds, ventilation, etc.)
- Ab 30 °C: Mandatory measures to reduce the heat (e.g., additional breaks, fans, etc.)
- Ab 35 °C: The room is considered unsuitable without additional protective measures.
Heat at work: What happens in the body?
High temperatures put strain on the body. Thermoregulation—the ability to maintain a constant core body temperature—is particularly challenged when sitting for long periods and moving little. The consequences:
- Increased pulse rate to improve blood flow to the skin
- Increased sweat production in order to cool down can lead to fluid loss
- Poor concentration, headaches, and circulatory problems
- Restricted oxygen supply to the brain
💡 By the way:
A study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that during heat waves, the cognitive performance of young adults in non-air-conditioned rooms declined significantly. Reaction times lengthened and error rates increased—an effect that can be particularly serious in mentally demanding professions or when performing sensitive tasks.
Ruther studys show: Heat increases the potential for conflict, reducing patience and decision-making ability. Physical activity can help by improving mental focus, which is clouded by the so-called 'heat haze'.
Exercise as a climate regulator: Actively combating heat stress
When it gets hot, many people tend to move as little as possible and avoid overexerting themselves. This sounds logical, but it is actually counterproductive.
Although it is advisable to avoid extreme exertion in high temperatures, physical activity should not be neglected. Gentle exercise stimulates the circulation, stabilizes the metabolism, and provides more energy—despite the summer heat!
Our Aeris products promote movement and make it easy to integrate precisely these kinds of micro-movements into your everyday working life:
- The Aeris Swopper integrates micro-movement into your daily work routine by allowing you to swing vertically.
- The Aeris Muvman makes it easy to switch between sitting and standing positions.
- The Aeris Muvmat has been designed to stimulate the soles of your feet and the fasciae, creating a sensation that is similar to walking on forest soil.
- Our height-adjustable Aeris Active Desks help you to switch regularly between sitting and standing.
Active movement also helps the body regulate its temperature. You may sweat, but your body can regulate itself better.
👉🏼 Using ergonomic office equipment encourages movement, which reduces heat stress and improves mental clarity and performance on hot summer days. This means you will feel more alert and focused, even in hot conditions.
What can you do if it is too hot at work?
Whether you work in an open-plan office or from home, when summer arrives, you need smart strategies to stay focused and productive throughout the working day. These simple tips will help you stay cool all day long:
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Integrate micro-movement:
Small movement, big effect. Ergonomic office furniture keeps you moving throughout the working day without you having to make any extra effort. -
Strategic ventilation:
It is best to ventilate before 9 a.m. and after sunset. To quickly bring fresh air into your workspace, create a draft if possible. -
Darken rooms:
Blinds, curtains, or reflective films keep direct sunlight out. -
Breathable clothing:
Lightweight fabrics made from linen or functional materials help regulate body temperature. -
Drink plenty of water:
Drink 2–3 litres of unsweetened, cool water daily, preferably with lemon or mint. Although it may be tempting in hot weather, make sure your water is cool rather than ice cold. This can exacerbate circulatory problems. Also avoid sweetened and alcoholic beverages, as well as drinking too much coffee or black tea. When the room temperature exceeds 30°C, employers are obliged to provide their employees with drinking water in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance./li>
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Active Breaks:
Keeping your circulation going is important, so try to get up regularly and take short walks or do small stretching exercises in between.
Change your position:
A standing seat like the Aeris Muvman or a height-adjustable desk such as the Aeris Active Desk ensure effortless position changes between sitting and standing.
💡 Extra-Tip:
Running cold water over your wrists or placing a damp cloth on the back of your neck also provides quick and effective relief in high temperatures.
FAQ: Summary of the most important information about room temperature in the workplace
1. What is the permitted temperature in the office?
According to ASR A3.5, temperatures up to 26°C are considered safe. Protective measures are mandatory at temperatures above 30°C. The workplace is considered unsuitable without protective measures at temperatures above 35°C.
2. What to do when it's over 30 degrees in the office?
If you feel that it is too hot in the office, measure the temperature. If you sit down while working, measure the air temperature at a height of approximately 60 cm above the floor. If you stand while working, measure it at a height of approximately 1.10 metres. Use a thermometer that is protected from heat radiation. If the temperature inside is above 26°C, contact your supervisor and request ventilation, shading, adjusted break regulations and fans at your workplace.
3. Is there a right to time off work due to heat?
There is no direct right to time off due to heat. However, employers are obliged to take technical or organizational measures to prevent damage to health. According to ASR A3.5, additional measures should be taken when the outside and room temperature reaches 26 degrees Celsius at the latest.
4. What is the ideal room temperature?
For sedentary work such as office work, a room temperature between 20 and 22°C is considered ideal. Studies show that women find around 24°C comfortable, while men prefer 21–22°C.
5. What is the minimum temperature in the office?
According to ASR A3.5, the temperature in the office must be at least 20°C for light, predominantly sedentary work. Higher minimum temperatures apply for heavier physical work. These guidelines serve to protect health and must be observed.
6. What temperature regulations apply in the home office?
In principle, employees working from home are responsible for ensuring that their workplace is at a suitable temperature. However, employers have a duty of care in this regard, in that employees should report any problems and request solutions—for example, mobile fans or ergonomic office equipment.
The right room temperature is a health factor
Whether in an open-plan office or working from home, the fact is that heat should not be a permanent condition. Those who make sure they keep moving and use ergonomic support in the workplace will remain productive, efficient, and healthy even on hot days.
With Aeris, you not only bring movement into your working day, but also greater well-being and balance – no matter how high the thermometer climbs in summer.☀️
