RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
In the United Kingdom, the minimum temperature permitted in an office environment is generally accepted as 16°C for sedentary work, and 13°C where significant physical effort is involved. These figures come from the Approved Code of Practice under the Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992. While not a strict legal limit, they are enforceable benchmarks used by the Health and Safety Executive to determine compliance with the requirement that indoor workplaces maintain a reasonable temperature during working hours.
A reasonable indoor temperature matters for people at work. If the temperature drops too low, it can affect how well staff concentrate, how productive they are, and how comfortable they feel throughout the day. Employers in the UK are expected to keep their offices and workspaces within acceptable limits, even though there is not a strict legal number for every situation. This guide explains what those limits are, how to stay compliant, and what steps both employers and employees can take to make sure everyone is working in a safe and healthy environment.
Pro Tip: Use HSE’s thermal comfort checklist every season, not just in winter. Early identification of temperature risks prevents staff complaints and boosts performance.
UK regulations say that office temperatures should be reasonable during working hours. This requirement is part of the Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992. The law is supported by broader health and safety laws such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Together, these set out the employer’s responsibility to make sure staff are not exposed to avoidable risks, including being too cold or too hot.
The law does not give a fixed minimum temperature as a hard rule, but the Approved Code of Practice states that 16°C is usually considered the minimum for office-type work. For jobs that involve a lot of physical effort, 13°C is seen as the lower limit. These figures are not just suggestions. They are used by inspectors to decide whether an employer is doing enough to protect their workers. Confusion often happens when businesses do not realise that guidance like this can still carry legal weight.
At the moment, there is no legal maximum temperature in UK workplaces. That could change. Some trade unions, including Unite, have been calling for set limits such as 30°C for light work and 27°C for jobs involving physical effort. While these are not enforceable yet, the conversation is growing. Employers who take action before laws change can avoid future problems and show they take staff wellbeing seriously.
Thermal comfort is not just about what the thermometer says. Several things affect how warm or cold someone feels at work. These include air temperature, humidity, how fast the air is moving, how much heat is coming off equipment or surfaces such as radiant temperature, what someone is wearing, and how hard they are working. All of these factors combine to affect comfort.
If the air in an office is still and humid, it will feel warmer. If someone is working near a large printer or in direct sunlight, the radiant heat can make things uncomfortable. That is why setting the thermostat is not always enough on its own.
If the office is too cold, staff can become stiff, sluggish and distracted. There is also a higher risk of conditions such as back pain or poor circulation when the body is cold for long periods. When it is too warm, the effects can be just as bad. Heat can cause tiredness, dehydration, headaches and even fainting. It can also make people more irritable or anxious. In some cases, heat stress or heat stroke can become a real risk, especially in jobs that involve physical effort or when staff have to wear personal protective gear.
These health risks do not just make people feel uncomfortable. They affect attendance, productivity and even staff retention. If people do not feel comfortable at work, they are less likely to perform well or want to stay long term
Pro Tip: Installing a smart thermostat system saves more than energy. It gives you real-time data to support your health and safety compliance records.
In the UK, there is no set legal minimum or maximum temperature. However, the Health and Safety Executive expects employers to keep indoor workplaces at least 16°C, or 13°C for active work. These benchmarks are drawn from the Approved Code of Practice, which means they can be enforced during an inspection. The HSE also offers tools such as the HSE checklist to help businesses assess whether their working conditions are suitable. For further guidance on workplace safety measures, employers can also refer to the official HSE workplace temperature advice.
In the US, there are no legal temperature limits for workplaces, but there is guidance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises maintaining indoor temperatures between 20°C and 24°C. Engineers and building managers often follow ASHRAE Standard 55 to keep workplaces within a comfort range. Although these numbers are not enforced by law, they influence how buildings are designed and how employers plan their heating and cooling systems.
Across Europe, similar advice exists. EN 16798-1, a European standard, recommends temperature ranges based on how a space is used and what kind of work is being done. The World Health Organization suggests indoor spaces stay at or above 18°C for general health. For vulnerable people, such as older adults or those with medical conditions, that minimum might need to be higher.
Smart climate management is no longer just a technical add-on. It is part of a broader approach to supporting productivity, legal compliance and energy efficiency in modern office spaces.
Concerned about thermal comfort or legal minimums? Let our experts help you assess and improve your workspace.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, thermal comfort depends on six key factors:
Air temperature: the measure of ambient room temperature.
Radiant temperature: the heat emitted from surfaces or direct sunlight.
Air movement: the speed of air moving across the body, which can aid cooling.
Humidity: the amount of moisture in the air, affecting sweat evaporation.
Clothing insulation: the thermal resistance provided by clothing layers.
Metabolic heat: the heat produced by the body through physical activity.
Understanding these factors helps businesses assess comfort beyond just the thermostat. For instance, an office that feels too warm may have poor airflow or high radiant heat from equipment.
Comfort is influenced by personal behaviour. HSE highlights that adaptation behaviours—such as changing clothing, adjusting seating positions, and drinking water—help regulate individual thermal experience. Employers should make these actions easy and acceptable within their workspace design and policies.
Special consideration should also be given to employees more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. This includes staff going through menopause, pregnant employees, and individuals with medical conditions like hypothyroidism or cardiovascular illness. Reasonable adjustments may be required to support their comfort and health under workplace equality obligations.
Measuring thermal comfort should not rely on assumptions alone. Employers are encouraged to:
Use wall-mounted thermometers in multiple locations.
Collect staff feedback regularly.
Conduct seasonal reassessments.
Refer to technical standards like BS EN ISO 7730, EN 27243, or ISO 9886 where relevant.
More advanced sites may also use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) indicators to monitor heat stress in physically demanding roles.
1. What is the legal minimum temperature in an office? The Approved Code of Practice recommends a minimum of 16°C for sedentary work and 13°C for physical work. These are not fixed laws but are enforceable by the Health and Safety Executive.
2. Is there a legal maximum temperature in the UK? No, there is currently no legal upper limit. However, employers must still manage the risks associated with excessive heat and are expected to take action when staff comfort or health is affected.
3. Can I refuse to work if it is too cold? Yes, if the temperature drops below the recommended minimum and no corrective measures are taken, you can report the issue to your employer or a safety representative. You may have the right to stop work under health and safety legislation.
4. What temperature is too hot to work in an office? There is no set maximum, but conditions above 30°C for office work or 27°C for physical activity are considered uncomfortably hot and could warrant action according to union guidance.
5. How can businesses maintain a healthy temperature in the workplace? Using zonal HVAC systems, regular maintenance, insulation, shading and smart climate control can help maintain consistent, comfortable conditions. Consulting employees and using tools like thermal risk assessments are also good practices.
At RightAir Solutions, we help UK businesses stay compliant, comfortable and energy efficient. From initial assessments to installation and aftercare, we specialise in smart climate control systems that support healthy, legally compliant work environments.
Our services include:
Smart thermostat installations that adapt to occupancy and work patterns
HVAC system upgrades to improve air quality and temperature control
Full diagnostics based on Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations and HSE best practices
Custom zoning, airflow management, and seasonal support
We combine advanced engineering with practical, people-first insights to help you reduce costs, maintain employee wellbeing and meet every temperature regulation with confidence.
Whether you operate a single office or manage multiple sites, our expert team delivers tailored solutions that make your workplace safer, more efficient and fully prepared for seasonal changes.
Workplace temperature is not just a comfort issue. It is a health and safety concern that affects performance, morale and compliance. While there is no fixed legal maximum, minimum temperatures of 16°C for office work and 13°C for physical activity are enforceable guidelines in the UK.
Employers are expected to monitor and manage thermal comfort using practical tools like the HSE checklist and by consulting staff on their needs. When problems arise, staff have the right to raise concerns and take action with the help of safety reps or unions.
Effective temperature management supports better health, lower absenteeism and a more motivated workforce. With modern tools, smart systems and expert support, creating a consistent and comfortable office environment is achievable and worthwhile.
RightAir Solutions is ready to help your organisation assess, implement and maintain thermal comfort systems that meet HSE expectations and support every team member—whatever the weather or the season.
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