'Cooler' workplace can enhance productivity: IIM-A study

An academic study conducted by two professors of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) revealed that controlled temperature at workplace can affect the productivity for the workers.

The study, titled ‘Heat Stress and its effect on Psychological Aspects of Workers in India’, indicated that there is a direct correlation of thermal comfort at work place and its effect on productivity of the workers.

Increased level of thermal comfort at workplaces can improve worker productivity by 12 per cent, the study conducted by faculty members Dheeraj Sharma and Rajesh Chandwani of IIM-A revealed.

For the purpose of research, the psychological aspect was taken into consideration than the physiological aspect for the impact of heat stress on work productivity.

“The research highlights that there is an urgent need for the policymakers and concerned organisations to extend the scope of climate change and ambient temperature discourse to include workers’ concerns,” said Sharma while releasing the study.

“Our study attempts to quantify the improvement in productivity that can be gained through establishment of cooling solutions at indoor workplaces,” he added.

According to the study, tropical countries such as India are likely to suffer the most from health hazards and productivity losses due to rising temperatures. A sample size of 175 units from across the country from various operational areas was taken into consideration for the study.

“The optimal temperature for worker performance may vary. However, in the tropical countries, most of the studies have found that the optimal range of ambient temperature for enhanced worker productivity is about 25- 30 degree Celsius,” said Chandwani adding that organisations should also provide additional facilities at workplace such as plenty of drinking water and other hydrating solutions, and ensure appropriate clothing, for preventing heat related health hazards such as dehydration.

Source | Business Line | 5 July 2016

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