Businesses should think twice before changing workplace temperatures this winter. A new survey found that sixty-nine per cent of office workers would sacrifice their office temperature to save energy. The survey found that almost four-fifths of respondents (78%) said they feel less productive at work when it is too hot or cold.
Johnson Controls (NYSE – JCI), a global leader for energy-efficiency solutions in the workplace, conducted a survey of almost 800 American adults about a range issues. This survey is part the company’s “Effective Now” campaign to raise awareness about the importance of energy efficiency at home and work. The good news? The results show that employees believe their employers can do more to reduce energy consumption. The challenge is that business owners need to avoid negative effects on office productivity. Also, workers might take measures to reduce their discomfort such as using fans or portable heaters if the temperature is not optimal.
“Employers may be tempted to turn down the thermostats this winter, but this quick fix could lead to hidden costs,”Clay Nesler is vice president, Global Energy and Sustainability at Johnson Controls. “Energy-efficient systems and equipment is the win-win alternative, allowing businesses to save energy and money without sacrificing workplace productivity.”
Nearly all respondents (98%) said that their office was too hot or cold at one point. When this happens, most (78%) reported being less productive. In addition to a decrease in workplace productivity, individuals can take individual actions such as installing a heating and cooling device inside the office. This will increase energy consumption.
* Forty-nine percent of office workers have used a fan when it was too hot in their office, and 28 percent have used a space heater when it was too cold.
* Nearly one-third (30 percent) have left their office building to take a walk outside when it was too hot or too cold in their work space.
Visit this site for more information www.johnsoncontrols.com/efficiencynow.
