Summer, sun, heat. ☀️
What sounds like summer fun on the weekend quickly becomes a real challenge in the office: Decreased concentration, physical stress, and a noticeable drop in performance.
In this article, you'll learn all about the important regulations concerning room temperature at work: from legal requirements and health implications to smart solutions for a more pleasant (and productive) workday. We'll also show you how our movement-promoting office furniture can help you stay cool even on hot office days.
Right to hot weather leave? What labor law says about workplace temperature
First things first: There is generally no "right to hot weather leave at work." However, employers have a duty of care. They must ensure that no health damage occurs due to excessive heat.
💡 What the law says:
The service provider must equip and maintain rooms, facilities, or equipment that they are obliged to procure for the performance of services, and regulate services that are to be carried out under their direction or supervision, in such a way that the person obliged is protected against danger to life and health as far as the nature of the service permits."
- BGB § 618
The so-called Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV), together with the Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR A3.5), sets reference values for room temperature in the office. The following recommendations apply to office workplaces:
- 20–22 °C: Comfort zone for sedentary work
- Up to 26 °C: Comfort zone for sedentary work and high outdoor temperatures
- From 26 °C: Measures to reduce temperature necessary (e.g., blinds, ventilation, etc.)
- From 30 °C: Mandatory measures to reduce temperature necessary (e.g., additional breaks, fans, etc.)
- From 35 °C: The room is considered unsuitable without additional protective measures
Heat at the workplace: What happens in the body?
High temperatures put a strain on the body. Thermoregulation – the ability to maintain a constant core body temperature – is particularly challenged during prolonged sitting and low movement. The consequences:
- Increased pulse to increase blood flow to the skin
- Increased sweat production to cool – leading 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 heatwaves, the cognitive performance of young adults in non-air-conditioned rooms significantly decreased. Reaction time lengthened, and the error rate increased – an effect that can be particularly severe in mentally demanding professions or sensitive tasks.
Further studies show that in heat, the potential for conflict increases, and patience and decision-making ability decrease. The so-called "heat dome" clouds our mental focus – and this is exactly where physical activation helps.
Movement as a climate regulator: Active against heat stress
Especially when it gets hot, many tend to move as little as possible and avoid overexertion. This sounds logical, but it is actually counterproductive.
While it is advisable not to engage in extreme exertion during high temperatures, physical activity should not be neglected. Gentle movement gets the circulation going, stabilizes metabolism, and provides more energy – despite the summer heat!
With our movement-promoting Aeris products, such micro-movements can be easily integrated into the workday:
- The Aeris Swopper brings micro-movement into your workday through targeted vertical oscillation.
- The Aeris Muvman allows for easy changes in posture between sitting and standing.
- The Aeris Muvmat activates your foot soles and fascia, like a walk on a forest floor.
- Our height-adjustable Aeris Active Desks help you regularly switch between sitting and standing.
Active movement also helps the body with temperature regulation. You sweat, but your body can regulate itself better.
👉🏼 Ergonomic office equipment promotes movement, which leads to less heat stress, a clearer head, and better performance on hot summer days. This way, you feel more awake, fitter, and more concentrated even on hot days.
What can you do about too much heat at the workplace?
Whether in an open-plan office or home office – when summer comes, smart strategies are needed to master the workday with focus and productivity. These simple tips will help you stay cool throughout the day:
-
Incorporate micro-movements:
Small movement, big effect. Ergonomic office furniture keeps you moving throughout the workday without you having to make an extra effort. -
Change posture:
A sit-stand stool like the Aeris Muvman or a height-adjustable desk like the Aeris Active Desk allow for effortless changes in position between sitting and standing. -
Strategic ventilation:
It is best to ventilate in the morning before 9 am and in the evening after sunset. To quickly bring fresh air into your workspace, create a draft if possible. -
Darken rooms:
Blinds, curtains, or reflective foils keep direct sunlight out. -
Breathable clothing:
Light fabrics made of linen or functional materials help regulate body temperature. -
Drink plenty of water:
2–3 liters of water daily – unsweetened, cool, preferably with lemon or mint. Even though it's tempting in hot temperatures: make sure your water is pleasantly cool, but not ice-cold. This can worsen circulatory problems. Also, avoid sweetened and alcoholic beverages, as well as too much coffee and black tea. Above 30 degrees room temperature, the employer is obliged to provide employees with drinking water in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance. -
Active breaks:
Regularly standing up, taking short walks, or doing small stretching exercises in between keeps your circulation going.
💡 Extra tip:
Running cold water over your wrists or placing a damp cloth on your neck also helps quickly and effectively in high temperatures.
FAQ: Key information on room temperature at the workplace summarized
1. How warm can it be in the office?
According to ASR A3.5: Up to 26 °C is considered harmless. Above 30 °C, protective measures are mandatory. Above 35 °C, the workplace is unsuitable without protective measures.
2. What to do if it's over 30 degrees in the office?
If you think it's too hot in the office, measure the temperature: If you work sitting down, the air temperature is measured at about 60 cm above the floor – for standing work, it's about 1.10 m. And this should be done with a special thermometer protected from heat radiation. If the indoor temperature is above 26 degrees, contact your supervisor and insist on ventilation, shading, adapted break regulations, and fans at the workplace.
3. Is there a right to hot weather leave at work?
There is no direct right to hot weather leave. However, employers are obliged to prevent health damage through technical or organizational measures. At the latest, from an outside and room temperature of 26 degrees, additional measures should be taken according to ASR A3.5.
4. What is the ideal room temperature?
For sedentary work like in an office, a room temperature between 20 and 22 °C is considered ideal. Studies actually show that women find around 24 °C pleasant, while men prefer 21–22 °C.
5. What is the minimum temperature in the office?
In the office, the temperature must be at least 20 °C according to ASR A3.5, for light, predominantly sedentary activities. For heavier physical activities, higher minimum temperatures apply. These guidelines serve to protect health and must be complied with.
6. What temperature regulations apply in the home office?
Essentially, employees in the home office are responsible for ensuring an appropriate temperature at their workplace. Nevertheless, the employer has a duty of care in this respect, as employees should report deficiencies and demand solutions – for example, through mobile fans or ergonomic office equipment.
The right room temperature is a health factor
Whether in an open-plan office or home office: the fact is, heat should not be a permanent condition. Those who make sure to stay active and rely on ergonomic support at the workplace remain productive, efficient, and healthy even on hot days.
With Aeris, you not only bring movement, but also more well-being and balance into your workday – no matter how high the thermometer climbs in summer. ☀️
