How to approach an issue about the AC (air conditioning)? [duplicate]

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

So my office requires for men to be at the office with a tie, formal shirt and suit but women can wear mostly anything, only with the restriction of no excessive cleavage. Women are always freezing in the AC, even though some of the men are sweating. Most of the women don't bring a jacket or just are still cold because they just dress not properly for an office where the AC is at a temperature that is comfortable in a suit and tie.

The boss or head of my office is a woman and mostly agrees with the other women. She is constantly turning the AC off to please them, and it makes us sweat or be hot. She doesn't ask our opinion, just theirs. How can I approach this situation? HR is also a woman and very good friends with the boss.

manpreet 2 years ago

You are at a loss here and it is forcing you and likely others to work in an un-ideal environment that is unfair to your needs as a person. If possible, talk to HR about it and BE NICE about it. Some people go off the rails when they feel threatened, so be as polite as possible about your concerns. Being nice has always worked for me as it keeps them calm, it stops people from feeling like they are being attacked.

If no recourse can be found there, then I really do recommend you hand in your resignation if you have opportunities elsewhere. A company that cannot properly assist ALL of its employees reasonably is not a company that you are obligated to work under. They cannot be forced to fix this so the only leverage you have is: you. Even if they don't cooperate, at least you can move to somewhere that will take your needs seriously at the same level of your co-workers.

But of course don't resign or cause a stir if this is not desired. If you're willing to tolerate it, by all means... as long as it isn't detrimental to other things, you are free to stay. I don't want to encourage you to resign or seriously complain (that could cause your boss or HR to dislike you) if it isn't worth it to you. I will however continue with my suggestion to move forward given there are opportunities elsewhere. If you have another position lined up, then by all means!

But my suggestion still stands, if you will bring the issue to light, be courteous to avoid any unwanted tension.