Why does my colleagues need for warmth over-ride my need for fresh air - open plan office rant

[sandyballs]

I work in a large open plan office, there are about 30 of us in here. I know this summer has been crap weather wise, loads of rain but it isn't cold is it! It's quite muggy. Whenever I open a window everyone moans and starts putting cardigans on and scarves FFS. What is wrong with them, we need fresh air! There are 30 of us breathing in the same old air and coughing and spluttering.

I opened the window a crack this morning and within 30 seconds a woman looked up from her computer and started complaining about her neck and draughts and leapt up to close it - she was about 25ft away from it! She has got trousers and boots on, a long sleeved top and a fleece .

Driving me mad, I need an office to myself.

[fruitysummer]

They're being pathetic and I'd tell them so.

I'm one of the cold ones, always need an extra layer on!!

It's far easier to put an extra layer of clothing on than it is to just sit there in your birthday suit because you're so warm.

Fresh Air is a must!

[Sirzy]

As annoying as it is it is as you say and the majority want the window shut then I don't think you have much choice, its not as if your colleagues are dressed stupidly and then complaining its cold.

[Kayano]

Numbers win IMO

Seems you are outvoted if your the only one wanting the window open and 'everyone' else moans and pulls on cardigans then YABU

[Socknickingpixie]

i think people can be a bit pathetic about the cold but if most want it closed then close it,get a desk fan they will soon change there minds

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

See I am a cold morsel but I much prefer my colleagues opening the windows than whacking the air con on at full pelt..........

If I moan I'm cold they just say women are always cold and thats it! Tough Shit!

I have an office cardi and in the summer it gets more use than ever

[MrsPresley]

I know how you feel.

There used to be 2 women where I work, 1 next to me and the other opposite that had heaters on under the desks (4 desks together) so I got all the heat as well.

Even in summer the heaters would be on and in winter I wear a cardigan over a t-shirt, so I can take it off and take sandals into work so I can change into them and I have 2 desk fans.

There has been times I've felt really faint because of the heat but apparently there's nothing I can do about it

And the office heating is on, so it's not like it's freezing.

Thankfully 1 has left so now I only have one heater to put up with.

Dont get me wrong, I dont like being cold either but there is alimit to how much heat I can put up with.

[Katienana]

I think you're right it isn't cold but at the same time I wouldn't go outside in bare arms in this weather so maybe with the window open it could get a bit draughty. I would pop outside for a minute to get a blast of fresh air. You especially need it in the afternoons when concentration levels tend to dip.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Get a thermometer and have a discussion about what to do when it falls below/goes above a certain temperature.

I'm sat here in leggings/thick socks/vest/tunic dress and cardigan and I'm still a bit chilly - according to the thermometer in here it's only 17 degrees (south east) - proper office temperature should be about 20/21.

I would complain if you were in my house opening a window right now and I've just come in from heavy garden work in the rain.

[geegee888]

If theres 30 people complaining about the cold when you open a window OP, the question arises?

Why on earth are you so hot?!

[KellyElly]

I think they are being unreasonable as at least if they are cold they can put a jumper on. What do they expect you to do - sit in the office in a bikini :)

[Sirzy]

Kelly - read the OP they have got jumpers etc on. If they were sat wearing vests you would have a point but they aren't

[Naoko]

I think you're a bit mean to complain about them putting on extra layers if you open a window - what do you want them to do, sit there shivering? I can see it's annoying if they close it when you want it open (but just as annoying for them when you open it if you'd prefer it closed), but surely them putting on an extra layer doesn't inconvenience you in any way?

FWIW, I'm the one who's always cold. I can't help it, and being cold actually exacerbates the symptoms of a medical condition for me. I do prefer open windows to airconditioning (and once requested to move desks so I wasn't right underneath the AC outlet as it was actually making me unable to work, which to my then-employers credit they sorted out immediately) but if I don't say anything and put on a jumper, I really hate it when people then give me a hard time about it. I get mocked, yelled at, and told to toughen up. No. I will not. I will not sit here suffering, cold and in pain, because you think it's warm in here and that it's thus ok to take the piss.

[ThatllDoPig]

Do you ask people if its ok before you open the window, or do you just go ahead and do it?
Its a difficult one really, as your need for fresh air is valid and much more healthy, but not if others are feeling cold.
Maybe it should be talked about before resentment takes over and you start falling out with people. No one should have to put up with another persons decision about temperature if they are feeling uncomforable (either too warm or too cold), but there isn't a choice for you. There has to be a compromise! Fan for you. Cardigans and hot chocolates for them!

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

I have a heater under my desk, I love it...it's my revenge for the air con!

[KellyElly]

Sirzy I did it says "Whenever I open a window everyone moans and starts putting cardigans on and scarves FFS" hence the fact that they weren't wearing the jumpers before she opened the window but to keep warm once she did!

[ethelb]

it's been pretty cold tbh. why is feeling cold pathetic and feeling hot and needing 'fresh air' somehow morally superior. that's how you are coming across.

[Kayano]

Lol agree ethelb

It's totally coming across like that

[Sirzy]

Kelly - read to the end the way they are dressed doesn't seem to be an issue

They shouldn't need to wear jumpers and scarfs inside just because one person selfishly decides they want a window open when 29 others don't

[MeeWhoo]

I am like you OP, even if I am a bit cold, I can't stand places whith "used up" air, it's quite disgusting and it gives me a headache.
What I used to do when I worked in an office was either open the window first thing in the morning or last thing before leaving when there were less people around, or just say "I am opening the window, it's just for a couple of minutes since there is no oxygen left in here". My colleagues would put up with it if I gave them a warning like that and then shut the window again after 10 2 minutes.
What I don't understand is why the cleaning staff don't seem to open windows as part of their cleaning routine either and the next day when you arrive it is still completely stuffy

[hiddenhome]

YANBU

Fresh air is healthy. They should just wrap up. We have our windows open all year round. Being hot and stuffy just makes you go to sleep.

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

Are you near the window then? In my old office the boss had a lovely big desk right by the window, he was always boiling (because of the sun - warm in the summer even when not v bright) and whacking up the air conditioning while everyone else froze. I eventually suggested that if he were that warm he moved to my desk in the cellar and I'd have his desk. He stopped doing it after that. Maybe you could go somewhere colder?

[MeeWhoo]

Failing that, you can always have a snack at your desk consisting of sardine marinated in garlic or something similar, then I bet it will be someone else opening the window :o

[Ormiriathomimus]

Oh lord! The temperature wars in an open plan office are horrendous. I'm on one side of an office with 20 or so people - we always tend to feel too hot. On the other side there are cold-blooded folks who constantly complain about the aircon/windows and clutch their cardis and glare at us. I spend most of my time too hot with dry itchy eyes. I have now acquired a desk fan.

[JodieHarshHasALumpyPennie]

Urgh, I hate feeble people who are always ostentatiously pulling their cardigan a little tighter and shivering and whining "Oh dear me it is so cold in here" alldayeverydayregardlessofthetemperature

It's always the same sort of people, too. The sort of people who probably played the flute at school. You know. That sort.

I cannot shake the feeling that it is morally superior to withstand cold.

Disclaimer: please note I am fully aware that all the above is unreasonable and offensive

[JodieHarshHasALumpyPennie]

(I should point I have a very young colleague that I absolutely adore but who is ALWAYS bloody freezing. She uses the same words EVERY DAY - "Is it just me or is it cold in here?" - EVERY DAY - and we have to have go turn the thermostat up and sit there all day with a pounding headache sweating )