As winter sets in, employers face a familiar but increasingly complex challenge: managing energy costs while ensuring a comfortable working environment. With energy prices remaining volatile and employee expectations around wellbeing higher than ever, the stakes are high.
Failing to strike the right balance can lead to more than just chilly workspaces, it can impact morale, productivity, and even legal compliance. On the other hand, organisations that approach this challenge strategically are discovering opportunities to foster more engaged, resilient teams.
The cost of getting it wrong
UK regulations require employers to maintain a reasonable temperature in workplaces, typically a minimum of 16°C for offices. Failing to meet these required workplace temperatures can result, not only in employee discomfort, but potential legal consequences.
But the hidden costs run deeper. Research consistently shows that workplace temperature directly impacts cognitive performance. When employees are cold, their focus shifts from complex problem-solving to basic comfort needs. A study by Helsinki University of Technology found that productivity drops by two per cent for every degree below the optimal temperature range of 21-22°C.
Consider the maths: if your average employee costs £35,000 annually and productivity drops by just six per cent due to an uncomfortably cold environment, you're effectively losing £2,100 per employee per year in reduced output. For a team of 20, that's £42,000, likely far exceeding any savings from aggressive heating reductions.
The key is to adopt a strategic approach that prioritises employee wellbeing while implementing intelligent cost-saving measures, such as:
Smart zoning and timing
Rather than heating empty spaces, implement zone-based heating that responds to actual occupancy. Modern smart thermostats can be programmed to warm spaces 30 minutes before staff arrive and reduce temperatures in unused areas. This targeted approach can reduce heating costs by an estimated 30% according to heating providers, without compromising employee comfort.
Embrace hybrid working strategically
Consider concentrating your team into fewer, well-heated spaces on particularly cold days. This approach reduces heating costs and can enhance collaboration and team cohesion.
Provide individual desk heaters
Quality desk heaters cost approximately £30-50 per employee - a one-time investment that can eliminate the need for extensive building heating. Many employees appreciate this personalised approach to temperature control, viewing it as a thoughtful benefit rather than a cost-cutting exercise.
Implement flexible dress codes
Encourage employees to dress warmly during colder months by relaxing formal dress requirements. Allowing layers, knitwear, and warmer footwear can reduce reliance on heating systems while supporting comfort and wellbeing. This simple policy shift can contribute to energy savings without impacting professionalism.
Why it is more than a facilities issue
Here's where many organisations get temperate control wrong: they treat it as purely a facilities management issue rather than recognising it as an employee wellbeing challenge.
Be honest with your team about energy cost pressures while emphasising your commitment to their comfort and wellbeing. Employees who understand the context are more likely to embrace creative solutions and even contribute innovative ideas.
Measuring success
To ensure your winter energy strategy is both effective and employee-centric, it's essential to track performance across multiple dimensions. Start by implementing regular temperature monitoring and gathering employee feedback – this can help you adjust your approach in real time and demonstrate a genuine commitment to wellbeing.
Key metrics to consider include:
Employee satisfaction scores related to thermal comfort and overall workplace environment
Productivity trends during colder months, benchmarked against baseline periods
Retention rates and insights from exit interviews referencing workplace conditions
Energy cost per employee, offering a more meaningful measure than total energy spend
Compliance indicators, such as incident reports or audit outcomes related to workplace temperature
Collecting and analysing this data helps optimise your strategy as well as providing documented evidence of compliance and care, which can be invaluable in regulatory reviews.
Keep warm this winter
Managing energy costs in winter is more than just about reducing bills – which, of course, is important, but it’s also your chance to demonstrate care, adaptability, and leadership.
Organisations that thrive will be those that plan ahead, communicate transparently, and view this as an opportunity to boost engagement, productivity, and employee wellbeing.
If you are looking for a talented professional to join your team, or seeking a new opportunity, get in touch with a specialist recruiter today.
