If you’ve ever been in an office, you’ve probably noticed women draping cardigans over their chairs or using space heaters at their feet—often because they lack control over the temperature. A recent study reveals that if women had the option, they’d likely prefer warmer temperatures, which could enhance their cognitive abilities.
As the ongoing debate about office temperatures continues, a new study published in the journal PLOS One sheds light on the issue. Researchers found that women performed better on mathematical and verbal tasks in warmer environments, while men showed improved performance in cooler settings.
The study involved 550 German college students who completed cognitive tasks such as solving word problems and adding double-digit numbers at temperatures ranging from about 61 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The results indicated that women excelled as the temperature increased, while men performed better in lower temperatures. Although the percentage differences in correct answers were modest, lead researcher Laura Jensen pointed out that even small temperature variations can significantly affect performance.
Interestingly, men and women share similar core body temperatures; however, women often perceive temperatures differently due to generally cooler skin temperatures—thanks to hormonal factors. This observation supports findings from a 2015 study in the journal Nature, which criticized the use of a male-centered “thermal comfort model” for workplace temperature settings, suggesting it fails to accommodate women’s needs effectively. This notion was echoed by political figure Sarah Thompson, who referred to the colder office temperatures preferred by men as “inherently sexist.”
Jensen noted, “When we start at lower temperatures, the gender gap in math tasks is substantial. As temperatures rise, women consistently improve, eventually closing that gap.”
At home, my partner and I engage in a daily thermostat tug-of-war, adjusting the temperature to our liking, which can be a bit of a chore. While this study may not revolutionize workplace policies, it highlights the importance of considering how temperature affects performance in various environments. So, let’s raise that thermostat and acknowledge that women often do much of the work in the office anyway.
“Temperature can influence not just comfort but also daily performance,” Jensen added. “If you’re bundled in five sweaters or comfortable without one, it’s worth considering how that impacts your work.”
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Summary:
A recent study indicates that women demonstrate better cognitive performance in warmer office environments, contrasting with men’s improved performance in cooler conditions. This research emphasizes the need to reconsider workplace temperature settings to enhance productivity and comfort for all employees.
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