The most amicable rule of thermostat does seem to be go with the coldest setting—easier to put on clothes than take off, and if someone is sweating it can be very uncofortable for them and unpleasant for everyone else. But, her seeming unwillingness to compromise makes me not simply want to give in. 70 degrees, unless the person has some medical problem, I don’t think would feel terribly hot. Warm for the average thermostat, but not hot. Still, though, it’s easier to put on clothes than take them off.
Personally, my thermostat is always around 64 degrees. In the winter, it may make it up to 68. I also always dress in many light layers—I live in a mild climate—and temperature doesn’t affect me much anyway. If it’s 100 degrees, if it’s 40 degrees. Shorts and a T-shirt. Jacket and pants. Done. However, I know people who feel in pain when they’re cold, or begin to stain shirts when they’re too warm, so I do understand the discomfort…
Does anyone know why she needs the temperature her way? Maybe she has a medical condition of some sort. Unlikely, but maybe. I wonder if she’s offered a reason, or been asked? I’m imagining she’s just said NO. If it’s her being anal or controlling, she needs to get over herself.
It also sounds like maybe the thermostat issue has become a bit larger than just the thermostat dial? At least for some people…. with an office of people pointedly bundling up and one person demanding the thermostat stay put… I dunno. May need to find a way to diffuse the situation, and she’ll, and everyone’ll, be more open for conversation.
I think 68 degrees is the standard indoor temperature.
What is she wanting it at? What is the rest of the office wanting it at? Once everyone is in a place to negotiate and not try to win a specific temp, just add the opposing numbers and divide by two, voila!