Warmer Workers lower costs

"Chilly workers not only make more errors than warmer ones, but cooler temperatures could increase a worker's hourly labor cost by 10 percent, according to ergonomics researchers at Cornell University in New York. . . . .

When office temperatures were raised from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, typing errors fell by 44 percent, while typing output jumped 150 percent.

"The results of our study also suggest raising the temperature to a more comfortable thermal zone saves employers about $2 per worker, per hour," says Alan Hedge, professor of design and environmental analysis and director of Cornell's Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory."

according to an HR.BLR.com article.

Pete's Points

Then again I wonder if they have tested the impact of excessive heat on the work performance of people? I know that I certainly don't work well when the temperature and the humidity is excessive.

I guess the researchers at Cornell should just read their kiddie stories especially the one about Goldilocks and the three bears. Eventually they will find that each person has a 'just right' temperature and working conditions situation which will facilitate that worker's maximum production effort.

Once we know what that is, then all we need is a management that cares enough about its profits to ensure that the workers are best able to contribute to it!