This is the Danish Working Environment Authority's temperature requirements for a workplace.

This is the Danish Working Environment Authority's temperature requirements for a workplace.

The temperature in the workplace is not just a question of comfort – it is about health, productivity and well-being. The Danish Working Environment Authority has therefore set clear requirements and recommendations for temperature conditions in Danish working environments. But what are the rules actually? What do they mean in practice for offices, institutions and schools? And how do you balance energy savings and employee well-being?

In this article, we guide you through the Danish Working Environment Authority's temperature requirements and how you, as a manager, facility manager or concerned parent, can ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate - even at a time when energy prices and climate targets challenge habits.

What does the Danish Working Environment Authority say about temperature requirements?

According to the Danish Working Environment Authority, the temperature in the workplace must be “appropriate” for the employees. It may sound a bit vague, but there are actually very specific guidelines, depending on the nature and intensity of the work.

Sedentary work

For office work and other sedentary functions, the temperature should be between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. This applies under normal climatic conditions and without special stresses.

Minimum temperature

The temperature must not fall below 18 °C in rooms where sedentary work is performed. This applies to offices, schools and institutions, for example. If the temperature falls below this level, it can negatively affect both comfort and health.

Maximum temperature

The Danish Working Environment Authority recommends that the temperature does not exceed 25 °C. High temperatures can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating and reduced productivity – and in some cases also headaches and dehydration.

You can read more about rules and recommendations directly from the Danish Work Environment Authority .

Temperature and Well-being: Why it Matters

The temperature in a room doesn't just affect physical comfort – it has a direct impact on our ability to concentrate, learn and collaborate. According to Good Workplaces, even small fluctuations in temperature can lead to noticeable changes in productivity and well-being.

For children in daycare centers and schools, a stable and healthy indoor climate is essential for learning and development. For adults in offices or public buildings, it is a prerequisite for efficient work and low sick leave.

What do you do if the temperature drops to 19 degrees?

As a result of the energy crisis, the Danish government has called for lowering the temperature in workplaces to, for example, 19 °C. This is a voluntary measure, but one that can have consequences for comfort.

If the temperature is lowered, the Danish Working Environment Authority recommends that preventive measures be introduced, such as:

• Possibility of extra layers of clothing
• Physical breaks to keep warm
• Adaptation of working hours or tasks

It is not a requirement that the employer covers the costs of extra clothing, but it can be a good investment in the well-being and performance of employees.

How can a stable temperature be ensured?

Keeping temperatures within recommended limits requires more than just turning up or down the heat. It's about understanding the building's indoor climate and responding to data in real time.

At ÅBN, we work with technology that makes the indoor climate visible and understandable. With the solution The Cloud, you get access to intuitive sensors and clear dashboards that show temperature, CO₂ level and humidity – all in a language that can be understood by both technicians and educators.

When you can see how the temperature develops throughout the day and in different rooms, you can act more precisely: open windows at the right times, regulate heating and ventilation, and adapt the use of the premises.

Example: A school with cold classrooms

A primary school in Central Denmark experienced several classrooms having temperatures as low as 17°C in the morning during the winter months. This resulted in cold fingers, complaints from parents and decreased concentration among students.

Using ÅBN's sensors and visualization of the indoor climate, the school was able to document the problem to the municipality. This led to adjustments to the heating system and a new ventilation practice. The result? A stable temperature of 20–21 °C and fewer disruptions to teaching.

Temperature and sustainability – a difficult balance

In an era of energy conservation and climate goals, it's tempting to turn down the heat. But it should be done with care. An indoor climate that is too cold or too hot can backfire in the form of lower productivity, increased sick leave and dissatisfaction.

Therefore, sustainability is also about using energy wisely – not necessarily the least possible, but the most efficient. With technical documentation and data-driven decisions, you can find the right balance between energy consumption and human comfort.

How to get started with temperature compliance

Here are five concrete steps you can take today:

1. Measure the temperature in different rooms – preferably over time and at different times of the day.
2. Compare with the Danish Working Environment Authority's requirements and assess whether there are fluctuations above or below the limit values.
3. Inform and involve employees in the work with indoor climate - they will notice it first.
4. Use technology to gain an overview and documentation. This makes it easier to act and argue.
5. Contact experts if you are in doubt. At ÅBN we are always ready to advise on indoor climate and temperature control.

You can also read more about how data can change behavior and create better working environments.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the Danish Working Environment Authority's temperature requirements