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News • July 13th, 2026
|As the temperature continues to rise across the UK, concerns about workplace comfort are becoming more pressing. Recent research has revealed that nearly one in ten employees have considered quitting their jobs due to uncomfortable office temperatures. This situation is causing what some are calling "air con wars" in workplaces, with employees taking matters into their own hands by adjusting the thermostat without telling their colleagues.
Survey Findings Highlight Workplace Temperature Issues
The study conducted by instantprint, which surveyed 2,000 office workers, uncovered some surprising statistics about how temperature can impact job satisfaction and productivity. Here are some key findings from the research:
9% of UK workers have thought about quitting because of uncomfortable office temperatures.
14% of respondents admitted to secretly changing the thermostat when their colleagues weren't looking.
Nearly two-thirds (about 66%) have had arguments with coworkers over the temperature in the office.
Only 26% of workers feel that the temperature in their office is "just right."
About 40% of employees find it hard to concentrate when the office feels too cold.
These findings are particularly relevant as the UK has been experiencing increasingly hot summers, with temperatures exceeding 40°C becoming a real possibility. The Met Office reported a record-breaking temperature of 40.3°C in July 2022, raising concerns about how well-equipped UK buildings are to handle such heat.
The Split in Workplace Comfort
The research highlights a significant divide among employees regarding their comfort levels in the office. More than a third (34%) of workers claim their office is too cold, while 22% feel it is too hot. An additional 18% experience fluctuating temperatures throughout the day, leaving just over a quarter (26%) satisfied with the temperature. This divide often stems from where employees are seated. Those who sit directly beneath air conditioning vents frequently report feeling chilly, whereas colleagues near windows often complain of being too warm. This discrepancy can lead to rising tensions, with many workers catching their peers adjusting the thermostat and even arguing about the best temperature settings.
Impact on Productivity
The study also shed light on how temperature can affect productivity. Two in five workers admitted that they struggle to focus when the office is too cold. Research from Cornell University previously indicated that employees in colder environments tend to make more mistakes and are less efficient compared to those in warmer conditions. Furthermore, studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have shown that indoor environmental factors can significantly influence cognitive performance and decision-making. As more businesses encourage employees to return to the office, workplace comfort is becoming a critical factor for maintaining high productivity and employee satisfaction.
Challenges Posed by Climate Change
Historically, many UK offices were designed to retain heat, which is less than ideal as climate conditions shift. The Climate Change Committee has warned that without proper adaptations, the risk of overheating in homes, schools, and workplaces is expected to rise in the coming decades. This situation suggests that employers will need to reassess how they manage workplace environments, especially as employee expectations around wellbeing evolve.
Vicki Russell, Head of TX at instantprint, commented on the findings, stating:
"Temperature can seem like a small issue until it starts affecting people's comfort, concentration and relationships with colleagues. There is never going to be one perfect setting for everyone, but employers can create environments where people feel listened to and where compromises can be made fairly."
Recommendations for Employers
To alleviate temperature tensions in the workplace, Vicki Russell offers a few practical recommendations for employers:
Gather regular employee feedback on workplace comfort.
Establish an agreed temperature range instead of constant adjustments.
Designate someone responsible for managing temperature settings.
Review office layouts to minimise hot and cold spots.
As the UK continues to face rising temperatures, ensuring a comfortable working environment is increasingly important for employee wellbeing. By making small adjustments to office environments, businesses can significantly enhance how their staff feel and perform at work, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
