Have you ever stepped into a store and felt like a sauna? Or go to an office and it felt like an icebox? It’s no secret that temperature can have a big impact on how comfortable we feel. But did you know that the temperature of a business can also impact how successful it is? That’s right – temperature regulation is important in businesses for a variety of reasons.
Let’s take a closer look.
Temperature and Productivity
There have been numerous studies conducted on the relationship between temperature and productivity in the workplace, and the results are pretty clear – employees are more productive when they’re working in a comfortable environment. One study, in particular, conducted by the University of California, found that for every degree above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), productivity decreased by 2%. So if your office is set at 74 degrees(23 degrees Celsius), you can expect your employees to be about 6% less productive than they could be.
Think about it – have you ever tried to concentrate on work when you were too hot or too cold? It’s not easy. When we’re uncomfortable, our bodies naturally go into survival mode, which means that bodily functions (like digestion and regulation) shut down so that we can focus on keeping ourselves alive. This means that when we’re uncomfortably warm or cold, we’re not able to think as clearly or be as productive as we otherwise could be.
Also, the temperature can impact employee absenteeism. Studies have shown that for every degree below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, absenteeism increases by 0.5%. So if your office is set at 68 degrees (20 degrees Celsius), you can expect your employees to miss about 1% more work than they would if the temperature was set at a comfortable 70 degrees.
Temperature and Customers
In addition to affecting employees, the temperature can also impact customers. Anyone who’s ever walked into a store and immediately been hit with a blast of cold air knows that it’s not exactly a pleasant experience. In fact, according to one study, 67% of shoppers say that they’re more likely to purchase in a store that has a comfortable temperature.
What’s more, customers will spend more money when they’re shopping in an athlete climate. One study found that when stores were kept just 3 degrees cooler than the standard 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit (which is already pretty cool), shoppers spent an average of 10% more money.
The reason for this is simple – when we’re cold, our bodies naturally go into survival mode, which means that we start to hoard resources (i.e., food and clothing). This hoarding instinct extends to shopping – if we’re cold, we’ll buy more clothes than we need because our brains are telling us to stock up on resources. So if you want your customers to open their wallets, make sure your store is nice and cosy.
So how do businesses adapt to this situation?
Different businesses address the unpleasant temperature in their place in different ways, depending on the business’s needs and budget. As an expert in the industry, Tyrenian Group remarked that some might use air conditioning to cool their space, while other businesses might rely on fans or some form of mechanical ventilation. Some businesses might also use a combination of different methods to keep their space comfortable for employees and customers alike.
No matter what method a business uses, it’s important to make sure that the temperature is pleasant for everyone involved. After all, an uncomfortable work environment can lead to productivity issues and dissatisfied customers. Here are some other ways that establishments play with temperature in their favour:
Groceries
If you’ve ever wondered why the produce section of your grocery store is always so much cooler than the rest of the store, it’s not just because fruits and vegetables need to be kept fresh. It’s also because grocery stores use temperature to manipulate shoppers into spending more money.
Studies have shown that people tend to spend more money when they’re shopping in a cool environment, so by keeping the produce section chilled, supermarkets can boost their sales. Furthermore, grocery stores often place high-margin items like flowers and bakery goods near the entrance, where they benefit from the chill generated by the doors opening and closing.
Gyms
Have you ever wondered why gyms always seem to be so cold? While it may be tempting to think that they just crank the AC to save on energy costs, the truth is that there’s more to it than that. In fact, temperature plays a crucial role in our exercise performance, and by manipulating the temperature in their establishment, gyms can make us work harder without us even realizing it. Let’s take a closer look at how this works.
When we exercise, our body temperature rises as our muscles produce heat. This increase in temperature provides a boost to our metabolism and helps to improve our cardiovascular efficiency. However, as our body temperature continues to rise, we reach a point where we start to fatigue. This is because our muscles are no longer able to function as efficiently when they’re overheated. Gyms can prolong this sweet spot where we’re working hard but not yet fatigued by keeping the gym cooler than usual. As a result, we end up working out for longer and burning more calories.
There’s also that aspect of keeping body temperature cool while staying hydrated. In this regard, there are cooler bags that are a must-have for anyone who hits the gym hard and is often provided by the gym. Not only do they keep your water cool and refreshing, but they also help to regulate your body temperature. After a strenuous workout, your body temperature can rise quickly, putting you at risk for dehydration. A cooler bag filled with ice cubes can help to bring your temperature down, preventing you from becoming overheated. All this contributes to more patrons returning and spending more time lifting and exercising.
Restaurants
When you walk into a restaurant, you may not consciously notice the temperature, but it can have a big impact on your dining experience. Studies have shown that people tend to eat more when the temperature is warmer and that higher temperatures make food taste sweeter.
Because of that, many restaurants keep the temperature on the warm side, which encourages customers to order more food and dessert. Warmer temperatures can also make people feel more relaxed and increase their sense of well-being, both of which contribute to a positive dining experience.
Of course, restaurants need to strike a balance, as too much heat can be uncomfortable and drive customers away. Ultimately, the goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages people to linger and order another round of drinks or dessert. And by manipulating the temperature, restaurants can achieve just that.
Conclusion
Overall, temperature plays a significant role in our everyday lives, often without us even realizing it. By understanding how temperature affects us, we can manipulate our environment to better suit our needs. Whether it’s keeping cool while working out or enjoying a warm meal with friends, the temperature can make all the difference. So the next time you walk into a store or restaurant, take a moment to notice the temperature and see how it impacts your experience.