by Jane Vee

Created on: December 14, 2010   Last Updated: December 17, 2010

There is nothing worse than going into a cold office in the winter and not warming up as the day goes on.  You do not have to be cold at work.  Do not quit your job. Use these ideas to stay warm in your office.

Everyone knows moving around makes the blood flow.  Why not do some exercises in your seat?  Lift your legs and raise your arms.  Move what you can.  If you are worried about someone seeing you, take a fast pace walk through the building.  With any luck you will either warm up or find somewhere warmer that you can do your work.

If you cannot wear gloves in your office you might want to wear shirts with sleeves that hang around your hands.  You can also rub your hands together to warm them.  Friction will make heat for your hands.  If you use your fingers for typing, wearing gloves with the fingers cut out will allow you to type and stay warm.

You can layer your clothes if your office is always cold.  Put on heavier clothing or put long johns on under your clothes.  Women that wear dresses may want to wear tights instead of pantyhose during the cold season.  Layering clothes will help keep your body warmer and if you get too hot, you will be able to take some of your clothes off.

If you have room under your desk, you might want to bring a space heater to work.  A cold office can always use a heater.  You will need to put your name on it to make sure it does not disappear with another freezing coworker.  Keep it under your desk or in a place where no one will trip over it.  Be sure to monitor it throughout the day so it is not a potential fire hazard.  Bringing a heater should only be a last resort.  It is not your job to make the office warm.  That should be provided.  

Remember to bring a thermos full of your favorite warm beverage or even warm soup.  Eating and drinking warm items will keep your innards toasty.  If your office does not have a microwave or coffee maker, bring your own warmth.  A warm meal will fill you up and keep you warm.  Just be sure not to over do it.  You do not want to be fired for sleeping on the job.

Another way to stay warm in a cold office is to bring a blanket or use “snuggies”.  If your boss sees you in blankets enough, maybe he or she will get the idea that it is cold in your office and do something about it.

However you stay warm in your cold office, do not blame your boss for the cold.  It may be his or her fault, but it could cost you a job telling them so.  Stay warm.

Learn more about this author, Jane Vee.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.