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Temperature in the office: How cold can it be?
Can I complain to my boss if I'm too cold in the office?
According to workplace regulations, the temperature in office spaces is clearly regulated. But how cold can it be in the office? This is what labor law says.
In winter it doesn't just get really cold outside, the temperatures indoors can also make it difficult for you to work. Especially when there is not much heating in the office or there is a draught, our hands quickly become two blocks of ice and we shiver through the working day.
But how cold can it actually get in the office? And at what temperature can an employee complain? We clarify!
Workplace regulations: The temperature in the office is regulated here
It is not uncommon for the heating system to be defective or for old windows and seals to allow too much cold air to penetrate from outside. Old buildings are also often poorly insulated. But what do you do if it feels too cold in the office? What temperatures are allowed and is there a minimum temperature that must be maintained?
There are no precise regulations in labor law as to how warm it must be at work.However, in the workplace guidelines of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (ASR A3.5) “health-friendly room temperature” is explained in more detail.
A table was used to determine the minimum air temperature values in work rooms. The minimum temperatures depend on the type and severity of the work. Light work is defined as “light hand/arm work while sitting or standing quietly combined with occasional walking”. Moderately difficult work means “moderately difficult hand/arm or leg work while sitting, walking or standing”. And heavy work is defined as “heavy hand/arm, leg and trunk work while walking or
Stand".
At asedentary work with light physical work, such asAs is usually the case with an office job, the room temperature should be at least, according to the regulations+20 °Cbe.At medium work intensity it is +19 °C.
Reading tips:
Stands or walksyou are mostly at work+19 °C for light work, +17 °C for medium work and +12 °C for heavy workappropriate.
The regulation also states that the employer is responsible for measuring the temperature regularly.
What is the optimal temperature in break rooms, the canteen, etc.?
However, according to paragraph 4.2 point 4 of the regulation, the temperature in break rooms must be slightly higher: “In break, standby, sanitary, canteen and first aid rooms, there must be an air temperature of at least +21 °C during the period of use;
In toilet rooms, the air temperature may be controlled by ventilation processes
User-triggered, are briefly undercut.”
If the minimum temperatures cannot be implemented despite measures, the employer must first initiate “workplace-related technical measures” by providing alternative heating methods, for example by using radiant heating or heating mats.
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“Organizational measures” should then be initiated, which include, for example, times in which employees can warm up. “Personal measures” such as suitable clothing should then be ensured.
It makes sense to get together with other colleagues who are also too cold and to talk to superiors together to find a solution. Ultimately, it doesn't help anyone if you have to freeze at your desk.
