Maximizing Productivity: How Ideal Temperatures Impact Workplace Performance

Written by Zack Griffin, President & Founder of Evolved Lighting & Energy

Zack started Evolved in 2006 with the mission to transform lighting in commercial spaces from traditional and costly, to energy efficient and productivity boosting. He’s uses science, significant product knowledge and design expertise to grow Evolved into the successful business it is today.

When it comes to optimizing productivity in the workplace, most operations and facilities professionals focus on the obvious elements – equipment, lighting, layout, and staffing. But one of the most overlooked (and surprisingly powerful) factors is temperature. Whether your team is working in an office, warehouse, call center, or mixed-use facility, the temperature of the environment plays a measurable role in how well people perform, how comfortable they feel, and even how many errors they make.

The Science Behind Comfort and Output

Multiple studies over the years have confirmed a strong relationship between indoor temperature and work performance.

A study by the Indoor Environment Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that workplace productivity tends to peak around 72°F (22°C), and drops significantly, by nearly 9%, as temperatures climb toward 86°F (30°C).

Similarly, Cornell University’s Human Factors Lab conducted a study where office temperatures were increased from 68°F to 77°F. The result? Typing errors fell by 44%, and typing output increased by 150%. That’s a huge swing in productivity, triggered by just a small adjustment to the thermostat.

Other research supports a similar trend. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported that the ideal temperature range for most office workers falls between 70°F and 72°F (21–22°C). Outside this sweet spot, employees tend to experience discomfort, distraction, and even fatigue, which affects both morale and performance.

For more physically demanding environments, such as warehouses or construction sites, optimal temperatures tend to range slightly higher – around 75°F (24°C). But the general principle still applies: extreme temperatures hinder productivity, no matter the job type.

From Data to Decisions

So, what can operations and facility professionals do with this information? For starters, aim to set indoor temperatures within the 70–75°F range for office and mixed-use spaces, and adapt slightly based on the nature of the work. More physical roles may benefit from cooler settings, while knowledge-based tasks often see better performance in slightly warmer environments.

But keeping a building consistently comfortable takes more than just setting a thermostat. Smart HVAC systems, zoning controls, and occupancy sensors can make a big difference by automatically adjusting temperatures based on usage patterns and real-time conditions.

In fact, facilities that implement intelligent temperature controls can reduce energy waste and improve occupant comfort simultaneously. Some studies show energy savings of 9–20% when adaptive control systems are in place – savings that don’t come at the cost of employee comfort but actually enhance it.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize that comfort is personal. Factors like gender, age, clothing, and metabolism affect how warm or cool someone feels in the same space.

According to ASHRAE’s Standard 55 for thermal comfort, the most effective approach is to design flexibility into the environment. This could include offering employees individual control tools, like desk fans or space heaters, or installing systems that allow for temperature variation across different zones of the building.

Why It Matters for Facility Leaders

For operations and facility leaders, this isn’t just about making people more comfortable – it’s about improving performance, reducing errors, and enhancing overall efficiency. Even small shifts in temperature can have a big impact.

For example, a decrease in productivity of just 1–2% might not sound like much at first glance, but over time, across dozens or hundreds of employees, that can mean thousands of dollars in lost output.

And it’s not just about productivity. Thermal discomfort has been linked to increased absenteeism, higher stress, and more frequent breaks. In contrast, employees who are comfortable tend to stay engaged longer, feel more satisfied with their workplace, and are less likely to make mistakes. All of this feeds into a healthier, more productive workforce – and that’s something every operations leader wants.

Taking Action: What You Can Do Now

If you haven’t reviewed your facility’s temperature control systems recently, this is a great time to start. Begin by benchmarking current conditions. Measure temperature across zones at different times of day and collect feedback from employees about their comfort levels. This doesn’t need to be complicated; even a short survey can provide valuable insight.

Next, explore the potential for HVAC upgrades, especially those that offer zoning, automation, and smart control capabilities. These systems don’t just keep temperatures in the right range, they allow you to respond quickly to changes in occupancy or external weather without wasting energy. And if upgrades aren’t in the budget yet, even small changes – like adjusting thermostat settings or improving insulation – can make a measurable difference.

Finally, communicate with your team. Let them know you’re prioritizing comfort and productivity and share the steps you’re taking to improve both. Involving employees in this process can go a long way in building buy-in and uncovering useful insights you might have missed.

The Bottom Line

Temperature is more than just a comfort issue – it’s a performance tool. By keeping your workplace within an optimal temperature range and using smart systems to adapt in real time, you can reduce errors, increase output, and improve employee satisfaction.

At Evolved Lighting & Energy, we help clients take a holistic look at building systems – including HVAC and environmental controls – to drive long-term performance and energy savings.

If you’re ready to explore smarter temperature management in your facility, we’d love to help. Let’s talk about how better comfort can lead to better results.