*Update 15.10.2024, while we did receive a response from HR it did not provide the requested figures, we are following up on this. In the meantime, please continue to complain to your proximity team (Brussels/Luxembourg) if you suspect that your work area is below the minimum[*]: leave a paper trail!*

Original article: Winter is over and we have not yet received a reply to our note to HR and OIB/OIL asking for the year of data on office temperatures.

At least some colleagues will have a tool to make their own measurements: as promised, Generation 2004 awarded three colleagues for the pictures sent in response to our contest on the coolest picture. The happy winners each received a thermometer, a device which will no doubt also prove itself useful in summer to check whether the workplace is on its way to reaching the upper limit of office temperatures[1]: yes, we go from one extreme to the other.

While individual perceptions of temperature will always differ, including recognised differences depending on your gender, Generation 2004 considers that it is unacceptable that colleagues have to come with blankets and gloves to work at the office, to bring in their own private heating appliances (and soon, fans) and break the rules, or that they are left with no alternative than to telework and bear the cost of heating/cooling at home.

Please continue to complain to your proximity team  (Brussels/Luxembourg) if you suspect that your working conditions are incorrect: leave a paper trail! Winter is over and spring will probably bring acceptable temperatures, but it is likely that in summer you’ll endure again bad conditions, this time because of too much heat. Remember, make some noise! If no one complains, it will not be read as tolerating a bad situation, it will be seen as endorsing it!

Of course, we will keep you posted on any developments and as always, we appreciate your feedback. 

If you appreciate our work, please consider becoming a member of Generation 2004. 

[*] Minimum: ’19°C in Brussels and 20°C in Luxembourg, in office spaces).’ HR response 09.01.2024
[1] t°int <= ½ t°ext + 11,5°C. Manuel des conditions d’hebergement des services de la Commission Partie 2 (‘MCH’)