Fastcompany.com reports a study by Cornell University
researchers found when temperatures were low (68 degrees F, 20
degrees C) workers were less than half as productive as when it was toasty
(77F, 25C).
The reason is that cold people use their bodily energy to stay warm and thus have less to give to the work they’re supposed to be doing. Even so, it seems counter-intuitive—we tend to think of the people in colder climates as being more work-oriented and productive.
If you’re keeping the temperature down this winter to save money, at least put on a sweater!
PS: The article refers to another study that shows that when it’s cold we tend to project that onto the other people there—we think of them as cold and uncaring. When it’s warm we feel more trust and empathy. So if you’re having a meeting in a place where you control the temperature, turn it up.
