European employers are turning down the thermostat to help reduce costs this winter

Dads have a sixth sense for knowing if the thermostat has been turned up by even one degree. By the looks of things, so do HR leaders.

As global energy prices surge, due in part to rising inflation and Russia’s war on Ukraine, some are encouraging employees to layer up before coming into the office.

Where in the world? Employers across Europe are exploring ways to cut costs, leading some to turn down the thermostat.

For example, Deloitte is cooling its UK offices by 2 degrees Celsuis, according to the Independent. Meanwhile, European Union government offices have capped their thermostats at 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit), as have workplaces in Germany, Spain, and France, per government guidelines. The BBC also reported that consulting firms including KPMG and PwC briefly shuttered UK offices over the holidays to reduce energy spending.

Satellite view. Heating costs in the US are up 18% compared to this time last year, reported CNN, and the Farmer’s Almanac predicts this winter will be colder than usual for much of the country. The US hasn’t imposed temperature restrictions, but HR leaders who’ve welcomed employees back to the office may want to follow Europe’s lead.

Their colleagues in finance will breathe a collective sigh of relief, along with dads everywhere.—KP

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