It’s a familiar scene in many an office or home office: someone huffing and puffing while another works at their computer with gloves. Whether you work in a busy office with colleagues who all prefer different temperatures, or are a freelancer working alone in the attic – staying warm in winter (or even on crisp spring days) can sometimes be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are plenty of clever ways to stay comfortable and warm without cranking up the central heating. In this blog post, we share practical tips for office workers, home workers, and anyone who gets cold easily at work – with or without colleagues.
The challenge of temperature in shared workspaces
In offices, discussions about temperature often arise. One person might feel warm at 19 degrees Celsius, while another only finds it comfortable at 23 degrees Celsius. Add to that an air conditioning system that doesn’t work equally well everywhere, and you have a recipe for cold toes or heated discussions.
Recognizable situations:
You are sitting under a ventilation grille from which cold air is constantly coming.
Your colleague is hot and turns on the air conditioning, while you are already sitting on your chair with a scarf.
Your workplace is near a drafty window or a door that keeps opening.
Your desk is in a corner where the heating has little effect.
Or… you work at home in a room without heating, such as the attic, conservatory or an uninsulated garden office.
Why your body gets cold faster during office work
When you’re working sedentarily, you move very little, which means your body produces less heat. Your blood circulation slows down, and heat concentrates around your core (chest and abdomen), causing your extremities, such as your hands, feet, and nose, to cool more quickly. Moreover, many offices and workspaces are designed to be functional, but not always comfortable.
Staying warm: smart tips and tools
Fortunately, there are all sorts of ways to stay warm without your colleagues complaining about the temperature. Below is a mix of tips and products – from low-tech to high-comfort.
🧦 1. Dress in layers (even in the office!)
The basics start with clothing. Wear multiple layers to retain heat and allow you to take something off if you get too warm. Consider:
Thermal shirt under your blouse or sweater
A thin fleece or wool vest
A large scarf that you can use as a blanket
Warm socks – even in the office you can wear (inconspicuously) thermal socks
Pro tip: Materials like merino wool and fleece retain heat well without sweating.
🔥 2. Heat in a targeted manner with an electric heating mat or blanket
Instead of heating the entire room, you can give yourself targeted heat:
You can place electric heating pads on your office chair or under your thighs. This warms your core and creates a comfortable feeling.
Electric foot warmers are ideal under your desk. They keep your toes warm, and that often radiates to the rest of your body.
Neck and back warmers are great if you suffer from a cold back or stiff shoulders. You can use them while working or during your breaks for extra relaxation.
Electric heated blankets are perfect for those working from home. Drape them over your legs or shoulders while you work, without having to heat your entire room.
All energy-efficient alternatives to traditional heating – and safe to use thanks to automatic switch-off and temperature settings.
🪑 3. Ensure isolation at your workplace
Not always the first thing you think about, but important nonetheless:
Place a draft excluder on doors or windows that let in cold air.
Place a rug under your desk to prevent cold feet.
Use curtains or window film if your workplace loses a lot of heat through windows.
Do you have an attic at home? A simple insulated curtain or room divider can make a difference.
☕ 4. Warm yourself from within
Don’t forget the inside either:
Drink hot drinks regularly: tea, coffee, or even broth.
Eat a hot lunch if you can.
Avoid sugars and fast carbohydrates, which often cause a temporary peak and then a cold dip.
🚶 5. Exercise regularly
When you’re cold, you’d much rather stay still and bundle up. But moving actually stimulates your circulation and raises your body temperature. Try the following:
Get up every hour
Take a short walk during your break
Do some stretches at your desk
Take a walk during a phone call
Even small movements like wiggling toes, rolling your feet, or rotating your shoulders can help.
👩💻 For home workers: no need to heat the whole house
Do you work from home and don’t want to heat the entire house just for your workspace? Create a small, comfortable corner:
Use an electric heated blanket or foot warmer instead of central heating.
Choose a room that is easy to keep warm, such as a bedroom instead of the living room.
Temporarily use an infrared panel or energy-efficient convector heater if there really is no other option.
And: in colder weather, choose clothes that allow you to move freely but are also warm. A fleece housecoat, a thick sweater, or even a lined body warmer are perfectly acceptable at home.
Warm, comfortable and energy-efficient working
Keeping yourself warm at work isn’t just a matter of comfort; it can also significantly reduce energy costs. Instead of unnecessarily turning up the heat, you can achieve a lot with targeted heat sources and smart clothing choices. Especially in a time when sustainability and energy conservation are important, solutions like electric heated blankets and foot warmers are a valuable tool.
Finally, make it fun
Warmth is also a feeling. Light a candle on your desk, play soothing music, and consciously take a break every now and then with a hot drink. Make your workspace a place where you feel comfortable – that not only helps with the cold but also with stress.
Do you often suffer from cold feet or a cold back at work? Then check out our range of electric heating mats, foot warmers, and heated blankets – ideal for the office or home. Comfortable, safe, and above all: wonderfully warm.
