Thermal Comfort Matters More Than Ever in the Modern Workplace

Cold work environments create more than discomfort—they directly affect concentration, productivity, morale and overall wellbeing. As a design and build contractor specialising in office fit out and office refurbishment, TB Fit Out understands how essential thermal comfort is to the performance and culture of any organisation.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines thermal comfort as “the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment.” In practical terms, this means your workforce feels comfortably warm without overreliance on personal heaters, heavy clothing or continual thermostat changes.

With rising energy costs, extreme winter fluctuations and hybrid working patterns, creating a resilient warm workspace is more important than ever.

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Workplace Temperature Standards: What Employers Must Know

HSE guidance and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state:

  • Minimum indoor workplace temperature: 16°C

  • Minimum for physical work: 13°C

  • Employers must ensure a “reasonable” temperature based on the work and conditions

  • Six key factors influence thermal comfort: air temperature, radiant heat, humidity, air movement, clothing and activity levels

Most office-based teams feel comfortable between 19–21°C, but temperature alone doesn’t determine comfort—layout, insulation, glazing and air movement also play important roles.

A strategic, well-planned office fit out helps you meet these standards consistently and efficiently.

Why Offices Feel Colder in Winter — And How to Fix It

Even with heating systems running, many offices struggle with cold areas during winter due to common issues such as:

  • Heat loss around glazing, windows and entrance points

  • Poor insulation in walls, ceilings or floors

  • Large open-plan designs allowing heat to dissipate

  • Outdated HVAC or unbalanced airflow

  • Desks positioned near external walls

  • Seasonal changes reducing solar warmth

  • Radiant heat loss from cold surfaces

These problems often indicate deeper design or layout inefficiencies—issues a design and build contractor can solve holistically.

Fit Out Improvements That Enhance Winter Thermal Comfort

Below are the most effective strategies to create a consistently warm, comfortable and efficient workplace.

1. Strengthen Insulation & Building Fabric

One of the most impactful cold-weather improvements is increasing insulation across the building envelope. Fit out upgrades may include:

  • High-performance insulation in external walls

  • Double or triple glazing

  • Thermal blinds and window films

  • Insulated flooring systems or carpet tiles

  • Upgraded door and window seals

  • Thermal barriers in ceilings or partitions

These improvements reduce heat loss, enhance comfort, and increase energy efficiency.

2. Upgrade Heating Systems With Zoned Controls

Modern workplaces benefit from heating solutions that adapt to a variety of work settings. Consider:

  • Radiant heating panels for targeted warmth

  • Zoned heating for meeting rooms, focus zones and open-plan areas

  • Smart thermostats with occupancy-based adjustments

  • Rebalancing or replacing outdated fan coil units

  • Integrating heating with a building management system (BMS)

Zoning prevents overheating certain areas while underheating others—crucial in open-plan environments.

3. Reduce Cold Drafts & Uncontrolled Air Movement

Air movement significantly affects perceived temperature. Solutions include:

  • Draught-proofing around external doors

  • Redirecting or balancing airflow

  • Relocating desks away from ventilation sources

  • Using partitions or acoustic screens to shape airflow

  • Regularly maintaining ventilation systems

Even minor adjustments can greatly improve comfort.

4. Optimise Space Planning Around Seasonal Conditions

A strategic space plan enhances comfort without relying solely on heating system upgrades. Effective measures include:

  • Keeping desks away from cold external glazing

  • Locating meeting rooms in colder perimeter areas (they warm up quickly with occupancy)

  • Using internal areas for prolonged work sessions

  • Creating warm breakout and social spaces

  • Adjusting layouts seasonally if needed

Good planning increases comfort while reducing energy consumption.

5. Choose Materials That Improve Warmth & Longevity

Fit out specifications that balance durability and comfort include:

  • Carpet tiles with thermal backing

  • Warm-touch finishes

  • Acoustic and insulated wall systems

  • Soft furnishings to minimise heat loss

  • Moisture-resistant finishes to prevent cold-weather condensation

These materials improve thermal comfort and reduce wear during colder months.

Practical, Low-Disruption Steps for Winter

Even without a full office refurbishment, several simple measures support a warm, comfortable workplace:

  • Adjust HVAC schedules for winter

  • Install thermal films or blinds

  • Use draught excluders on doors

  • Encourage flexible winter dress codes

  • Provide warm, well-lit breakout areas

  • Conduct temperature checks in known cold spots

  • Maintain airflow systems and report issues early

These steps complement longer-term fit out strategies.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort Can Coexist

A well-designed office fit out increases warmth and reduces energy waste. By addressing insulation, zoning, layout and airflow, businesses can achieve:

  • Reduced heating costs

  • Higher employee satisfaction

  • Fewer cold-related complaints

  • Stronger ESG and sustainability performance

  • Better long-term building efficiency

Smart design supports both people and budgets.

FAQs

 

What is the legal minimum temperature for offices in the UK?

HSE recommends a minimum of 16°C, or 13°C for physical work. Employers must maintain a “reasonable” temperature for the work environment.

Why does my office feel cold even when the thermostat is set correctly?

Drafts, radiant heat loss, poor insulation, low humidity and misdirected airflow can reduce perceived temperature.

What improvements help keep an office warm in winter?

Upgraded insulation, glazing, heating zoned controls, layout optimisation and airflow management are the most effective solutions.

Can an office fit out reduce energy costs during winter?

Yes. Improving insulation, zoning, heating systems and workspace layouts can significantly reduce heating use and costs.

How can I identify cold spots?

Use staff feedback, temperature checks, thermal imaging or a professional space planning audit—one of TB Fit Out’s specialisms.

Why TB Fit Out Is the Right Partner for Winter Workplace Comfort

TB Fit Out combines expert space planning with high-quality design and build delivery. We create workplaces that:

  • Stay warm and comfortable year-round

  • Support productivity and wellbeing

  • Use durable materials that perform in all seasons

  • Align with your culture and business goals

  • Enhance energy performance and sustainability

Every project is built around your people. Access our free winter comfort workplace checklist for FREE here.

Winter Comfort Workplace Checklist

Transform Your Office Comfort With Expert Planning

If your workplace struggles with cold spots, winter discomfort or energy inefficiencies, TB Fit Out can help.

Book a space planning audit with TB Fit Out today by emailing sales@tbfitout.co.uk or call 01293 775509 to discover how smart design, optimised heating and better materials can create a warmer, more comfortable and more efficient workplace—now and for the future.

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