The temperature in my office averages 85 degrees from no AC. What can I do besides quit.?

Question

It is a very high paying job and don't want to quit. It would take me a long time to find another job with comparable pay.

FYI 85 is the average. It gets to 90 degrees sometimes because I have 4 computers and UPS's in my office. OSHA recommends 65-72. For those who think that I am just bitching... try sitting in a 90 degree office and designing software. I bought a mini fridge and filled it with bottled water. I have looked into buying a portable AC. I have a glass window that does not open. I have sent an email complaining about the temperature to the CEO so there is at least a record that I have brought it to their attention. He is the only one I report to.

I have already bought two high power fans.

Answer 1

We open the doors and windows and most people have fans, I have 3 large windows and 3 fans in my office but since we are on a dock we are normally cooler than most places anyhow. For the summer we work 6-2:30 so the workers that have to work outdoors don't get too warm and we buy them ice and water even bottled water they can take up on the ships with them.

Answer 2

First talk to building maintenance, have them check if all your vents are open and ceiling fans operational. It is not unusual for people who are too cold to disable a vent or a fan. The prior tenant of your office may have altered the air flow.

Second if you have windows, make sure that you have some shade that will keep hot sun out during part of the day.

Third, people in high paying jobs do not throw hissy fits or put up signs or dress for the beach in an office. Take some of that high pay and get yourself a portable AC unit. Yes, they are expensive. They are free standing and can cool a very large room. Because we are at the end of the summer you may have problems finding this. So, until you find the portable AC unit, purchase a nice oscillating fan.

Answer 3

After doing the steps listed above in reporting to maintenance and checking vents, etc. I would write a letter indicating that it is unacceptable and quote this: Section III, Chapter 2, Subsection V of the OSHA Technical Manual, "Recommendations for the Employer," provides engineering and administrative guidance to prevent or alleviate indoor air quality problems. Air treatment is defined under the engineering recommendations as, "the removal of air contaminants and/or the control of room temperature and humidity." OSHA recommends temperature control in the range of 68-76° F and humidity control in the range of 20%-60%. "

If your office is warmer than the rest of the office, it is likely a maintenance issue. If the whole office doesn't have A/C, then I would suggest that it IS a matter of the health and welfare of the employees.

Most good computer companies treat their programmers pretty well, so I would also check with HR to see if there is a reason for the temperatures.

Answer 4

Have you ever talked to your boss about the problem? If you don't face the problem with your boss..your problem is just going to be the same. If you have talk to your boss about the problem then the best thing you can do is to get one of those nifty office fans or you can get a portable Air conditioner. They can be expensive but you did say that you have a high paying job so you could afford it. You can buy one on ebay or Amazon. Good luck ;0)

Answer 5

Is it only your office or the whole building? If it's just your office, talk to your boss to see if anything can be done. Some folks have health issues so you may want to talk to HR as well.
This happened to me once and I worked from home for a few days until they fixed the problem. If it's the whole building, how do the others cope?
If none of these are options, remove your shirt, get a fan with a moist towel behind it to cool the air :-)

Answer 6

You could always buy one of those portable fans to keep near your desk. There are also portable ACs that you can buy for pretty cheap that you can keep in your office. I think I saw somewhere that there are ACs that you don't need to place in a window. If you play your cards right, I think you could even write those off as tax deductions being as they are work related? Ask your accountant though.

If you don't want to spend your own money, then I suggest you speak with your supervisor about it. I'm sure he/she could at least try to make some accommodations for you unless they want to be sued in the unfortunate event that you pass out from heat related exhaustion or something to that extent.

Answer 7

Plug a refrigerator into your office and leave the door open (this will jack up your electric bill like you wouldn't believe).

Buy an A/C unit with all that extra money you're making.

Get blinds to block out sun light.

If you can, paint the walls of your office blue. Cooler colors will actually affect the temperature in your work space.

Answer 8

First, start using the Metric System. 30 degrees sounds better than 85.

Second, try wearing shorts and a tank top one day. When you get into trouble for under-dressing, explain why.

Answer 9

Get one of those large thermometers for the wall that shows the record high. Put up a big sign that says, Today's forcast hot!!!, yestersdays record was 85 degrees.

Answer 10

Purchase a desktop fan.

I don't know about you, but given a choice between a high paying job and unemployment I believe that a little sweat is a pretty minor inconvenience.