Several things in the workplace affect the employee’s productivity, including work culture, inadequate equipment, poor communication, and lack of training. Most people don’t think about the effect weather has on the worker until it is extremely hot or cold. Seasonal weather changes can have a significant impact on employee’s productivity.
Discussion Points:
• Seasonal weather changes can impact employee’s productivity
• Hot weather can reduce productivity by up to twenty percent
• Recommended indoor temperature set between 68 and 76 degrees
• Exposure to extreme cold can cause serious health conditions
• Monitor weather conditions and implement climate control measures
Discussion:
Temperature can have an enormous impact on employee’s productivity. Research shows that hot weather can reduce workplace productivity by up to twenty percent. Specifically, productivity may drop by as much as four percent per degree when the temperature rises above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the workplace. High temperature can increase stress on the body and heart during physical exertion. Overexerting oneself in hot temperatures can lead to heatstroke and potential death if precautions are not taken.
OSHA does not require the employer to maintain a specific temperature in the workplace. However, they do have regulations for when temperatures are extremely hot or cold; Leading to heat stress, hypothermia, or some other condition that affects the worker’s health or safety. OSHA recommends indoor temperatures be set between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. When OSHA inspects a worksite, they may use heat stress monitors to measure temperature and humidity levels, air circulation, and the amount of heat radiation from a furnace, blower, or other heat sources. Exposure to extreme cold for long periods of time can also cause serious health conditions. This includes frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot. Employers should monitor the weather conditions, implement climate control measures, and work earlier or later hours. The goal is to motivate employees and increase morale and productivity.
As always, stay safe out there!
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