Cold Offices Are Quietly Killing Productivity and it’s Not the Heating that’s to Blame

As winter sets in and temperatures drop across the UK, many office workers are finding themselves reaching for extra layers, hot drinks and desk heaters just to stay comfortable at work. While it might be tempting to blame the cold on rising energy costs or cautious heating use, interior experts say the real problem often lies elsewhere.

According to Hannah Prescott, Interior Designer at Diamond Interiors, office design plays a far bigger role in how warm a workplace feels than most people realise.

“We see it all the time,” Hannah explains. “Offices are technically heated, but they still feel cold because the space hasn’t been designed with comfort in mind. Poor layouts, hard finishes and unsuitable furniture can make even a well-heated office feel uninviting and uncomfortable.”

Why offices feel cold even when the heating is on

One of the biggest culprits is the overuse of hard, reflective materials. Open-plan offices with exposed floors, large expanses of glass and minimal soft furnishings can lose heat quickly and feel draughty, even if the thermostat is set correctly.

“Hard surfaces don’t retain warmth,” says Hannah. “When you combine bare floors, high ceilings and minimal textiles, the heat just doesn’t settle in the space. Employees feel colder, even though the heating is working harder in the background.”

Desk placement can also be an issue. Staff positioned near windows, external walls or under air vents often feel the chill more than others, leading to uneven comfort levels across the office.

The impact on focus and productivity

Feeling cold at work doesn’t just affect comfort; it can have a direct impact on productivity. Research has consistently shown that physical discomfort makes it harder to concentrate, increases fatigue and lowers overall job satisfaction.

Hannah agrees, noting that temperature discomfort often shows up in subtle ways.

“When people are cold, they move less freely, lose focus and spend more time trying to get comfortable rather than getting on with their work. Over time, that has a real impact on productivity and morale.”

In some cases, businesses respond by turning the heating up further, driving energy costs higher without actually solving the underlying problem.

How better design can make offices feel warmer

Rather than relying solely on heating, interior designers recommend a more considered approach to office design. Introducing carpets or rugs, upholstered seating, acoustic panels and textured finishes can all help retain warmth and create a more comfortable environment.

“Soft furnishings make a huge difference,” Hannah explains. “They help trap heat, reduce draughts and make the space feel instantly more welcoming. Even small changes, like upholstered task chairs or fabric wall panels, can improve how warm an office feels.”

Lighting also plays a role. Harsh, bright lighting can make spaces feel stark and cold, whereas warmer lighting tones create a more inviting atmosphere during darker winter months.

A smarter approach to winter workplaces

With many businesses encouraging staff back into the office, creating a comfortable environment is more important than ever. Experts say investing in thoughtful design can reduce reliance on heating, lower energy bills and improve employee wellbeing at the same time.

“A warm-feeling office isn’t about blasting the heating all day,” Hannah adds. “It’s about designing a space where people feel comfortable, supported and able to work at their best, even in the depths of winter.”

As energy costs remain high and winter continues, businesses may find that the key to keeping staff productive isn’t adjusting the heating controls but rethinking how their offices are designed.

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Diamond Interiors is a leading provider of commercial workspace solutions. We work with businesses of all shapes and sizes who are looking to refurbish their existing office, or move to new premises.