You’re at work. You’re cold. You’ve tried everything you can think of on how to stay warm in a cold office, but you’re still shivering.
When you’re comfortable at work, you’re more focused, productive, and healthier.
Whether it’s a cold winter day and your office can’t quite thaw, or it’s a blazing hot summer day, but the air-conditioning has turned your workspace into a refrigerator, here’s how to stay warm in your freezing office.
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Shift your workstation to be away from cold drafts
While there aren’t official temperature requirements established by OSHA, the agency recommends temperatures are set to 68 to 76 degrees and 20-60% humidity for optimal indoor air quality.
Most people prefer temperatures at the warmer end of the range. Studies show men tend to prefer rooms at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and women prefer rooms at 77F.
If your desk is positioned in a drafty area — perhaps under an air vent and you’re getting hit with a full blast of arctic air-conditioning — can you move to a different workstation? Even shifting your computer to a different angle might help avoid drafts.
How to talk to your manager about your cold office
Maybe it’s not just you – perhaps the office is freezing everyone out, but no one has spoken up. When you talk with your manager about the temperature, you can let them know why raising the thermostat in the office is important.
- Increase productivity: Warm offices are linked to fewer errors and higher productivity, according to a study at Cornell University
- Improve health risks: And if it’s too cold, your metabolism can slow down — that’s linked to weight gain, lowered immune response, heart problems, and an increased risk of having type 2 diabetes.
- Save money: For every degree warmer you set the air conditioning, you could save up to 3% of energy costs.
Best clothing items to wear when your office is freezing
If it’s summer, layering is your best option. That way, you won’t melt when you go outdoors. Keep a jacket, sweater, and lightweight scarf handy, so you can add a layer when the AC is blasting.
And no surprise – layering your clothing is your best option in winter, too. Here are my recommendations for how to layer clothing so you’ll stay warm indoors.
- Base tank or tee made of silk or wool
- Sweater or jacket to keep at your desk
- Scarf – try it around your neck or wrapped over your shoulders. In summer, try lightweight gauzy fabrics. Cashmere is wonderful year-round. Be fancy and warm
- Fingerless gloves to keep your hands warmer without making it harder to type. I DIYed mine by snipping the fingers off a pair of magic gloves
- Vest – add warmth to your core without adding bulk
- Try a heated vest for even more warmth
- Sherpa-lined slippers to wear at your desk – if you’re wearing ballet flats or high heels, your feet are probably cold. While at your desk, swap them out for sherpa-lined slippers with rubber soles. Get a bootie style to go higher on your ankles
- Snuggie or blanket. You know if you can get away with this or not at your office. Heated throw blankets may help here.
Looking for specialty sizes? Here’s my shopping guide for winter clothes for tall women.
Sip hot drinks and keep your mug warm
Keep the kettle flowing and sip hot tea or coffee throughout the day. Warm your mug with hot water and let it rest a minute before pouring it out and adding your hot drink. This tactic will keep your drink warmer for longer.
Holding a hot mug in your hands will warm your fingers and your insides.
While you could use an electric mug warmer, a cheaper option is to use a thermos if you want your drink to stay warm for hours.
Use a space heater (if allowed)
Space heaters can cause fires. Be vigilant and follow the safety recommendations every time you use a space heater.
If you’re allowed a portable space heater at your desk, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Keep it at least 3 feet away from other objects
- Plug directly into an outlet
- Set it on a level, non-flammable surface
- Turn it off and unplug it when you step away from your desk
- Choose a heater suited to the size of the space you want to heat
- Make sure yours has a tip-over switch so it shuts off if it falls over
Here’s more on how to choose a space heater and use it safely.
How to stay warm in a cold office without a space heater
Fortunately, you don’t need a space heater to add heat to you or your workspace. Here are some alternatives:
USB rechargeable handwarmer. I like being able to toggle it on as needed and hold it in my hands or stick it in my pocket. In my comparison of different types of hand warmers, I found that USB rechargeable hand warmers are the best type to keep at your desk.
See my Ocoopa handwarmer review for more on why this USB rechargeable handwarmer is a good gadget to help you keep warm in the office.
Use an electric heat pad. Hold it on your lap, place it on your back, or sit on it. Be sure to turn it off whenever your step away from your desk to reduce the risk of fire. Also, plug it directly into an outlet (don’t use an extension cord).
Use a foot warmer mat. These are great sources of heat, especially if your floors are cold. The heat will keep your feet warm, you’ll be more comfortable, and the area near your lower body will be warmer, too.
A recap of several ways to stay warm in a cold office
- Adjust your workstation
- Talk with your boss about increasing the thermostat
- Dress in strategic layers to add warmth
- Drink hot beverages
- Use a space heater safely
- Add warmth with other gadgets if you can’t use a space heater
