One of the main killers of productivity in the office is a cold A/C. When you have cold hands, it’s hard to type accurately, and you’ll be too restless to even think straight.
Even in the middle of summer, a freezing workspace can be a legitimate cause of distraction. It’s even worse if you work in an office without good heating where the devices aren’t up to scratch.
If you’re thinking that you’re overreacting over something as trivial as an A/C, don’t worry, you’re not. Many offices are actually kept at a temperature that’s way too low for comfort. Our colleagues over at EsportsHeadlines.com mentioned that most offices have a colder standard for A/C because of building codes based on the metabolic rates of men, while women in offices tend to have a metabolic rate that is 20 to 32 percent lower.
Regardless of your sex, whether you’re handling files or just typing at your computer, cold hands can be a hindrance to your productivity and focus. If you want to keep them warm while working at your office desk, here are some tips and tricks to try out.
1. Turn up the Thermostat
For many problems, the best solution is often the simplest. If your entire work area is freezing, turning up the thermostat can help ward off any discomfort. A higher temperature won’t just help protect your hands from the cold, but it will keep your entire body warm, too. Although this solution may seem obvious, if you’re reading this article, you are probably a considerate person who is thinking of colleagues who prefer temperatures different from you.
2. Use a Small Heater
If your co-workers prefer working at the office in arctic temperatures, it may be wise to invest in a basic personal space heater. Place it close to your keyboard to continuously warm your hands. If you’re looking to personalize your desk, it can also help create your own cozy space. Double check with HR though, as some offices consider it a fire risk. Make sure to unplug the heater when not in use too.
3. Wear Gloves
Although it may help to bring a blanket or heated clothing, our hands are often the most exposed when we weather the elements, either outdoors or inside the unlikely workspace. A good glove is useful in times like these when comfort is more important than style. Choose a well-made, structured glove that you can type with and can still be used on your phone or tablet. Fingerless gloves could be another great option if you want to keep your hands warm while typing on your computer.
4. Purchase disposable hand-warmers
A good batch of synthetic hand-warmers could be the most effective option for you. Disposable hand warmers contain a mix of ingredients like iron and activated carbon that release heat when exposed to the air. You can buy these in sports stores, gas stations, and drugstores. Although inexpensive, they might not be the most sustainable, as single-use hand warmers will have you going back and forth to the shop.
5. Have a warm mug at hand
While there are a variety of hand-warming accessories, a steaming mug of coffee or tea could not just give you a burst of energy but help you warm internally. Keep in mind though that with the cold temperature in your office, your cup could quickly lose its desired toastiness, so keeping an electric mug warmer nearby is also a good idea, with the Ember Cupbeing one of the most popular recommendations lately.
6. Go for a walk
One natural way to warm up is to get your blood pumping through some light exercise. Going for a stroll around the office to review project matters with a colleague could help keep your body temperature from dropping. When you take a break from your computer to stretch your legs, you also give your brain some time off, so you can come back to your work feeling refreshed.
7. Cover your keyboard
A creative makeshift tent on top of your keyboard could help insulate your hands and keep your fingers warm. Just prop up a poncho or thick scarf above your keys. You’ll soon find that the heat from your active fingers will warm the space. With the keys out of sight, you’ll be able to hone your typing skills, too!
8. Turn on Voice Typing
Voice typing is fast becoming one of the norms of virtual communication. Instead of straining your eyes and typing straight onto the screen, you can use voice control and dictation apps that are easily found online or built into your computer.
This lets you hide your hands from the cold and focus on your output. You might even find that you think of innovative ideas you would not have thought of while typing. Most earphones have a built-in microphone you can speak into so you won’t have to bother your colleagues as well.
9. Consult a doctor
If you’ve tried all of these tips and you still find your cold hands are affecting you beyond winter and the confines of a freezing office, you might want to consider consulting a doctor. Cold hands are a reflection of your entire body attempting to maintain a stable body temperature. If it’s consistent, it could be a sign there’s a problem with your blood flow or the specific blood vessels in your hands. If so, head to the doctor for a check-up specifically for circulation.
Conclusion
There are so many ways that you can take care of your cold hands in the office – it could be as simple as turning up the thermostat or purchasing a personal heater. You can also use accessories like gloves, keyboard tents, and hand and mug warmers. Or choose the innovative way of hiding your hands to do voice dictation instead of traditional typing. If these still don’t work for you, it might be time to consult a doctor too.
Whatever it is, keeping your comfort levels at the office is essential to your personal productivity and focus. So next time you feel a chill at work, bring to mind these tips that are essential not just to your comfort but to your own career success.
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