Six in ten Brits demand air conditioning while working from home, survey finds

According to a recent study, more than 60% of Brits want their bosses to provide air conditioning while working from home.

On average, productivity is said to decrease by a third during hot temperatures, with 44% of the 2,000 adults asked admitting they struggle to stay on top of their workload when the mercury soars.

Two in five respondents actively seek a different room or area to work in a bid to overcome warmer conditions, while a quarter confessed to sitting near an open fridge or freezer!

A similar proportion of those surveyed have previously refused to work when the heat has been too extreme, with a temperature of 28⁰C commonly cited as being too hot for general exertion.

As a result, 59% think their employer should have to provide them with air conditioning at home, as working from home becomes the new normal.

The research was commissioned by Andrews Air Conditioning following a staggering rise in enquiries since July.

“This is certainly a hot topic that has workers divided,” reflected a senior figure at the company.

“When the temperatures hit their peak, sometimes it does feel like there’s no escape from the heat in the haze of summer – so it’s understandable some would look to their employers for a solution.

“But at the same time, you can also see the point of view that it’s not an employer’s issue if they’re offering a place to work that provides an adequate temperature.”

The study also found more than half have ventured back into the office for a more pleasant atmosphere when temperatures have risen.

But with Covid cases still high, nearly a third don’t feel comfortable working in the office – with one in six particularly worried when it’s busy.

More than half of those who think bosses should provide air conditioning put this down to changes in the workplace due to the pandemic, with many unlikely to return to the office full-time.

A third of respondents have even put in a request with an employer – with a further one in five planning on doing so.

Nearly half were willing to contribute to the cost of having an air con unit to use at home – though 29% didn’t believe that was necessary.

Of the four in 10 who don’t believe employers should have to provide air con for those working from home, 69% feel it’s not the responsibility of the firms to ensure their home isn’t too warm.

And 54% simply don’t think the hot weather lasts long enough to justify such luxuries, according to the research carried out via OnePoll.

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