05.08.2025

Air con wars: 1 in 10 Brits say they’d quit over the office temperature

With temperatures heating up across the UK, new research reveals that the biggest office bust-ups right now might not be about workloads, but whether it’s too hot or too cold.

According to a new study by online printing company instantprint, temperature trouble is a daily battle for many UK workers. Among the 2,000 office workers surveyed, 9% admitted they’ve considered quitting a job because of the office air conditioning.

But the tension doesn’t stop there...

While 14% confess to secretly tweaking the thermostat when no one’s watching, nearly half (47%) say they’ve caught a colleague doing exactly that. That’s a lot of sneaky thermostat tampering and someone’s not telling the truth.

In total, almost two-thirds (64%) of UK workers say they’ve argued over the temperature at work and with only 1 in 4 describing their office climate as “just right,” it’s clear we’re far from finding a happy medium.

The Cold Truth: Why Office Temperature Matters

Beyond minor gripes, research suggests the stakes are higher than we think. A Cornell University study found that workers in colder offices (around 20°C) made 44% more mistakes and were far less productive than those in a warmer environment (around 25°C).

Meanwhile, the instantprint survey revealed that a whopping 40% of office workers struggle to concentrate when the air con is blasting.

So if your brain freezes every time you open a spreadsheet, science says you’re not imagining it.

“It’s Not Just About the Thermostat” – HR Expert Weighs In

Vicky Russell, Head of Team Experience at instantprint, says temperature is a consistent flashpoint in the office.

“There’s no perfect setting for everyone – that’s the challenge. But if people feel uncomfortable or unheard, that’s when the real problems start. Temperature complaints might sound small, but they’re often part of a bigger conversation about team culture and communication.”

4 Ways to Stop the Office Thermostat Battles

instantprint’s workplace team shares four ways to keep the peace:

Run a Quick Anonymous Survey – You might be surprised who’s struggling in silence.
Agree a Fair Temperature Range – The HSE recommends between 21°C and 23°C for comfort and safety.
Nominate a ‘Temperature Champion’ – Give one person responsibility for managing the settings and gathering team feedback.
Check the Layout – If someone’s freezing, they might be sat under a vent. Small moves can make a big difference.

It’s Not Just About Cold Air – It’s About Team Culture

Whether you're shivering in a scarf or fanning yourself with a file, office air con drama is here to stay. But how we handle it, with honesty, fairness, and a little humour, can be the difference between a happy team and a frosty atmosphere.

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