How Hotter Seasons Impact Workforce Productivity and Cost Building Owners Money
This blog was written by The Marketing Team & The Engineering Team
As temperatures continue to rise each summer, you may already be aware of the impact that extreme heat can have 
on comfort and building operations. But there's another critical element at play—productivity. When indoor temperatures surpass 77°F (25°C), it's not just uncomfortable; it's a hidden productivity killer that directly affects the bottom line. Let’s dive into the data to explore the real impact of temperature on productivity and how you can help mitigate these effects.
Study Summary: Impact of Heat Exposure on Female Brickfield Workers in India
A recent study examined the effects of extreme heat on female workers in India’s brick-manufacturing units. These workers experience high seasonal temperatures for several months of the year, affecting their physical well-being and output.
Key findings:
- Heat Exposure: Workers endure high temperatures for five months annually, with heat from brick kilns worsening the situation.
- Productivity Decline: For each degree increase beyond 34.9°C, productivity drops by approximately 2%.
- Physiological Strain: Higher temperatures led to cardiac strain and a slowdown in walking speed, resulting in reduced productivity.
Study Summary: Impact of Indoor Temperature on Office Work Performance
A study explored how indoor temperatures affect office workers’ productivity, thermal comfort, and perceived air quality. This research is particularly relevant for mechanical contractors managing HVAC systems in office settings.
Key findings:
- Optimal Productivity: Peak productivity was observed at 22°C (71.6°F).
- Performance Decline: As temperatures climbed to 30°C (86°F), productivity dropped by 8.9%.
Study Summary: Effects of Thermal Environment on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Perception and Productivity
This study investigated the relationship between thermal environments and productivity in an office setting. The researchers manipulated temperatures while keeping other factors like lighting and air quality constant.
Key findings:
- Thermal Comfort: A neutral or slightly cool environment maximized productivity.
- Perception Adjustment: When workers were comfortable with the temperature, their expectations for other factors like air quality and lighting increased, leading to a more critical evaluation of overall comfort.
Study Summary: Impact of Excessive Heat Exposure on Agricultural Work Productivity
In West Bengal, rice harvesters experienced the severe impacts of high temperatures on their productivity and health. The study established a clear connection between heat and decreased work output.
Key findings:
- Heat Exposure: Workers faced hourly heat levels (WBGT) between 26–32°C, surpassing safety standards.
- Productivity Decline: For every 1°C increase above 26°C, productivity dropped by about 5%.
Next Steps
Creating comfortable, productive indoor environments—especially during peak summer heat—is a shared priority for building owners and mechanical contractors. One proven approach to achieving this is evaporative cooling, which uses the natural process of water evaporation to lower air temperatures efficiently and cost-effectively.
If you're a mechanical contractor, connect with your local Cambridge representative to explore how this approach can enhance your next project. If you're a building owner, consider scheduling a facility assessment to understand how your space can better support occupant performance and operational efficiency.
MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS: FIND YOUR REP
BUILDING OWNERS: SCHEDULE A FACILITY HVAC ASSESSMENT