07.07.2026

Heatwaves fuel workplace 'Air Con Wars': 1 in 10 workers have considered quitting over office temperatures

New research by UK printer instantprint reveals thermostat tampering, workplace arguments and productivity concerns as UK offices struggle to adapt to rising temperatures.

As Britain faces increasingly hot summers and warnings that many UK buildings are ill-equipped to cope with rising temperatures, new research from instantprint has revealed the growing impact of workplace "air con wars" on employee wellbeing, productivity and retention.

A survey of 2,000 UK office workers found that nearly one in ten have considered leaving their job because of uncomfortable office temperatures, while 14 per cent admit to secretly adjusting the thermostat behind colleagues' backs.

The findings come as the Met Office warns that temperatures exceeding 40°C are becoming increasingly likely in the UK following the country's record-breaking 40.3°C temperature in July 2022. At the same time, the Climate Change Committee has warned that much of the UK's building stock was designed for a cooler climate and faces growing risks from overheating.

Despite these warnings, there is currently no maximum legal workplace temperature in the UK, with employers only required by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to maintain a "reasonable" working environment.

Office Comfort Is Dividing The Workforce

The research reveals a workforce split over workplace temperatures.

More than a third (34 per cent) of workers say their office is too cold, while 22 per cent say it is too hot. A further 18 per cent report experiencing fluctuating temperatures throughout the day, leaving just over a quarter (26 per cent) who believe their office temperature is about right.

These differing experiences often come down to where employees sit, with workers positioned beneath air conditioning vents frequently reporting freezing conditions, while colleagues near windows complain of overheating and stuffiness.

As a result, temperature tensions are becoming increasingly common in workplaces across the country.

Almost half (46 per cent) of respondents said they have caught a colleague secretly adjusting the thermostat, while nearly two-thirds reported having argued with a colleague about office temperature settings.

Productivity Suffers When Temperatures Feel Wrong

The study also highlights the impact temperature can have on workplace performance.

Two in five workers say they struggle to concentrate when the office feels too cold.

Research from Cornell University has previously found that employees working in colder office environments make more mistakes and perform less efficiently than those working in warmer conditions. Meanwhile, studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have highlighted the impact indoor environmental conditions can have on cognitive performance and decision-making.

With many employers continuing to encourage staff back into the office, workplace comfort is becoming an increasingly important consideration for businesses looking to maintain productivity and employee satisfaction.

Climate Change Is Creating New Challenges For Employers

Historically, many UK workplaces were designed to retain heat rather than release it. However, as temperatures continue to rise, businesses are facing growing challenges in maintaining comfortable working environments.

The Climate Change Committee has repeatedly warned that overheating risks are expected to increase across homes, schools and workplaces over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures.

The findings suggest many employers may need to rethink how workplace environments are managed as employee expectations around wellbeing continue to evolve.

Commenting on the findings, Vicki Russell, Head of TX at instantprint, said: "Temperature can seem like a small issue until it starts affecting people's comfort, concentration and relationships with colleagues. There is never going to be one perfect setting for everyone, but employers can create environments where people feel listened to and where compromises can be made fairly.

"As temperatures continue to rise across the UK, workplace comfort is becoming an increasingly important part of employee wellbeing. Small changes to office environments can have a significant impact on how people feel and perform at work."

To help reduce workplace temperature tensions, Russell recommends that employers: