There are many aesthetic features that can help guarantee return business. Most business owners consider their interior design or free amenities, but often fail to address their office temperature.
It may seem like an insignificant detail, but an inappropriate office temperature can even affect work performance. If that’s true, why wouldn’t it affect customers and patients? This is especially true in the medical profession, where clients often complain about cold hands and cold offices.
Getting dental work done is intimidating for many patients. While it’s important to have a warm and welcoming environment, medical professionals also have to think about sterility.
Check out this guide to find the right temperature for this delicate balance.
How Temperature Affects You
Some people love to keep the AC blasting-so much so that they may soon be visiting this site for AC repair. Others prefer a high temperature that leaves some sweating.
Beyond these feelings, office temperature can have a more profound effect. Read below to find out more.
Your Movement
Anyone with more muscle and joint pain in winter knows that muscles are greatly affected by the cold. Lower temperatures cause your muscles to lose heat, causing them to contract. This creates more tightness and soreness, increasing your risk of injury.
Obviously, this can even affect employee movement. Furthermore, these are certainly not things you want your patients to be feeling while lying in your dental chair. Consider setting your thermostat to a temperature that encourages movement.
Your Mood
Not only can cold influence your movement but your thoughts as well. Of course, if you’re muscles are stiff and sore, it’s harder to keep a good mood.
Seasonal depression that occurs during the cold months is a common occurrence. The stress that cold puts on your body also affects your mind. Make sure your thermostat reflects a temperature that reminds everyone of the warm and happy days of spring and summer.
Your Pace
If movement is inhibited, productivity will be as well. Employees and patients alike will be less inclined to fully utilize the dental office space.
This often means that employees and patients will spend less time in discussion and conversation in the office. This is detrimental to important workplace bonds. Make sure your thermostat is not encouraging staff and clients to run away to find warmth.
What the Authorities Say
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend keeping your office temperature between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a huge range, but it’s a place to start.
Feel free to experiment within this range to find the temperature that works best for your office.
The Best Office Temperature
Not only do you need an office temperature that pleases your patients, but your dental team as well. It’s a good idea to have a meeting with your team, so you can gather everyone’s input before making a decision.
Of course, there is no perfect temperature for everyone. This is especially complicated by the climate where your office is located. Use these tips to find the right office temperature for you.
If you found this article useful, you’ll like our piece on the 9 most popular dental procedures.