More or Less: Behind the Stats Do women feel the cold more than men?
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Aug 23, 2025 Is summer really a ‘women’s winter’? Discover why women often feel the cold more than men, from metabolic differences to hormonal influences. The podcast humorously discusses the quirks of office temperatures and suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working. Learn about innovative solutions like Japan’s 'super cool biz' initiative and the importance of flexible attire in creating comfortable workplaces. Tune in for a warm take on a chilly issue!
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Physiology Explains Most Gender Gap
- Women report a higher prevalence of feeling cold in offices, making up about three quarters of cold complaints in studies.
- Physiological differences like lower metabolic rate and higher surface-area-to-mass ratio help explain this gap.
Standards Overestimate Women's Heat Output
- Boris Kingma measured young women's metabolic rate at about 48 W/m², roughly 20% below the standard 60 W/m² used in building standards.
- That overestimate means office temperatures set by standards can leave many women feeling cold.
Preferred Office Temperatures Differ By Sex
- Typical office setpoints (around 22–24°C) sit about 1°C below what many women prefer for typical office attire.
- Women may prefer 24–26°C while men often prefer 21–23°C, creating a potential 3°C difference.