Do you know the feeling? You sit at your desk and go about your work, but within a very short time you start to feel unwell. Your feet get cold, you can no longer concentrate properly and your productivity suffers. We at Könighaus have a solution to the problem – warm feet, guaranteed!
Are you cold?
As Germany’s leading infrared provider, in addition to the possibilities of room heating, we are of course also concerned with optimizing your workplace. As many studies over the last 2.5 years have shown, working from home has become a reality for many employees due to the coronavirus-related restrictions. Many employees report positive experiences and would like to continue working from home in the future.
In Germany, office workers spend an average of 6-8 hours a day at their workplace – whether working from home or in the office. Often even longer. But anyone who sits at their desk all day has to struggle with cold feet, especially in fall and winter. The cold creeps into our limbs due to the prolonged sitting and lack of movement, spreads and eventually covers our body with a permanent chill. This is not only unpleasant, but also means that we can no longer concentrate properly on our work.
On average, 8 out of 10 women[1] suffer from cold feet. Wondering why that is? The answer lies in the production of body heat. 40 percent of men’s body weight is contributed by muscles. Some of this energy is not used for actual muscle work, but is released to the entire body in the form of heat. Due to the higher body mass (a man weighs on average 20 percent more than a woman of the same height), he loses less heat to the environment and is therefore able to warm the entire body.
Women, on the other hand, generate considerably less energy, as their bodies only consist of up to 23 percent muscle and they can therefore release less heat to the body. Due to their lower body mass, women lose heat more quickly. Accordingly, the body tries to keep the vital organs in the upper body warm first and reduces blood flow to the arms, legs, ears and nose. The veins constrict and the blood is transported more poorly. The result: your fingers and toes become freezing cold.
What to do?
We have a solution to your problem. Our mobile desk heater is not only easy to set up, but its flexibility guarantees individual positioning, adapted to your personal needs. Whether under a desk or a standing desk – thanks to its curved shape, the infrared heater stands firmly on the floor (the facts ?) and also shields against draughts. With its semi-circular dimensions of 180° degrees, the desk heater provides precise heat from three sides. Your feet and calves are pleasantly warmed up, the blood can circulate again and transports the warmth to the rest of your body.
The optimum office temperature
If you don’t work alone in a home office but in an office with several colleagues, you’re probably familiar with the situation: one person is cold, the other is warm, there’s a draught due to open windows and doors. This can sometimes trigger heated discussions and cause resentment and frustration. Even though we have already learned that men and women have a fundamentally different perception of warmth, each person has a different way of regulating heat and feels cold or warmth individually.
Our tip: agree on an optimum basic temperature in your offices that is comfortable for every employee. In other words, a room temperature that doesn’t bother anyone. A room that is too warm can lead to headaches, allergic reactions, fatigue and even a weakened immune system, while permanent freezing in the office can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections due to reduced blood circulation. Basically, the room temperature is a key factor in being able to concentrate on your work, because our performance is influenced both positively and negatively by the temperature.[2]
According to a study by Tom Y. Chang from the University of South California and Agne Kajackaite from the Social Science Research Center Berlin, an experiment with more than 500 students has shown that room temperature has a significant influence on mathematical and verbal performance. Every degree higher measurably increased the performance of the women – they achieved maximum performance between 30 and 33 degrees. Men showed the opposite effect: they were at their best at temperatures below 20 degrees.
According to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health[3], the ideal temperature for rooms in which people work in a seated position is at least 20 degrees and a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius.
Ever thought about a desk heater?
This is where the further advantage of your infrared desk heater comes into play: once you have agreed on a basic temperature in your office of 22 degrees Celsius, for example, everyone can decide for themselves whether or not to use the arc heater under their desk. This makes the desk heater an ideal addition to existing convection heaters, as the infrared heater reaches operating temperature in 2-4 minutes and heats people, objects and surfaces immediately without heating up the ambient air first. This allows you to heat your feet in a targeted manner, but prevents the air circulation caused by standard heating, which is often perceived as draughty.
More tips and tricks against cold feet
In addition to a desk heater, you can of course counteract your cold feet with a few small steps. We have put together a few tips for you:
- Movement. People who sit a lot in everyday life and do little exercise are particularly prone to circulatory disorders and freeze more quickly than others.
- Get out into the fresh air (whatever the weather), go for a walk during your lunch break and integrate small movement exercises into your daily work routine at your desk.
- Use a height-adjustable, ergonomic desk. By alternating between sitting and standing, you automatically get more movement in your everyday life. Are you interested in this topic? Find out more about height-adjustable desks here.
- Alternating showers have a positive effect on the immune system, metabolism, circulation and thermoregulation.
- If you sit at your desk for a long time, you should avoid crossing your legs. This will prevent blood circulation from being disturbed.
- Put on thick socks and enjoy a delicious hot drink.
Note
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. Only specialists can make the correct diagnosis and initiate suitable treatment.
Conclusion
No more cold feet! The mobile desk heater is a useful addition to your home office. You can position your heater wherever you want it to be warm. After all, the room temperature is a factor that should not be underestimated when it comes to our well-being and performance.
Want to know more?
We are delighted if we have been able to show you new aspects of infrared heating. There is a lot more exciting information to discover. For example, would you like to know more about tips and tricks for setting up a home office? Or are you interested in the article on the impact of stress on the body and mind? Just check our blog regularly – it’s worth it!
If you have any further questions, our friendly customer service team will be happy to help you – by phone, email or chat. We look forward to hearing from you.
