Aircon wars.... How can I resolve this?

[cjt110]

I work in an open office. Generally just me and another colleague with salespeople who drop in/out. I always ask whether it's ok to open a window, or turn the heating on etc. The colleague would ask if it was ok to close the window etc if they got cool.

I am really quite hot and clammy. Partly due to the weather and also due to a health condition I am battling.

I will put air con on to make the room cool. Colleague will wait til I have gone to the loo to turn it off, or just get up and turn it off lately.

I explained yesterday I was really quite hot and I could turn it down if they liked, instead of off. They said, no they wanted it off.

I am sat here, clammy and hot. Have just been to the loo and come back and he's turned it off. I have a floaty cotton top on and leggings. I cannot be any more undressed if I try.

Whilst I know it's not their fault, I think it rude to just switch it off without asking when previously, he has asked. It's now become a bit of a war. Everytime I notice it's not on, it goes back on. Other colleagues who know nothing of this have commented on being up here "Cor, it's a bit warm up here" So it's not just me.

So, WhoIBU and how can I resolve this?

Yes, been there, it's awful. Really we should talk about it with colleagues and change places etc, but in reality it's not something most want to do. I'm a hot person, DH is a cold person, so can see both sides. In a big company though, there shouldn't be free-for-all access to the controls as it should be regulated according to the H&S rules (as stated by PP above). Why don't we just have windows that open and create airflow? It works at home, even when it's hot, just the movement of air seems to cool the house well (and of course keeping blinds down etc on the sunny side).

I've recently been working from an office with working air-conditioning. Again, some people felt the cold more than others. We ALL found (at least 10 of us on a good day) left the air-conditioning alone at 22.5 degrees & just increased or de-creased the fan speed depending on if we where hot or not.

I agree though, extra layers are also a good shout for those who tend to feel the cold slightly more & a desk fan for yourself

My boss has started to allow me to go home when it gets too cold in the office so they can keep it as cold as they like now!

Why do people always say it's easier to warm up? Trying to warm up is awful. Cooling down is easy and quick.

Of course it's easier to warm up. Put layers on. Warm people can't get naked in the office, can they?

I had this issue when I was literally freezing (had to work with coat and gloves on and a hot water bottle) because a colleague was always hot. He was very over weight which didn't help imo.

Then I was promoted to manager and made it so there was time slots and got him a desk fan.

I used to work with someone who always complained she was cold. HR told me off for suggesting she wore more than a short skirt and a vest top for work. Was glad when she left.

Air con was set at 23, I sat under the vent and wore dresses to work but was still unbearably hot, which didn't help my migraines.