The hybrid approach came about as a result of office automation. This approach included both open and closed spaces which were easy and economical to convert. Design of the workplace as well as internal conditions affect the overall comfort of the workforce. More comfortable heating, ventilation and air conditioning has been ranked second in importance in the work environment. Arriving at the right temperature to suit all employees would be nearly an impossible task.
Excessive coolness can distract from concentration and excessive heat can cause drowsiness.
Both factors diminish productivity. Excessive temperature fluctuations can affect office equipment and supplies. Zoning and heating recovery systems can control these problems. Zoning allows temperature variations in certain functional areas such as a computer room or a densely populated work area. Heat recovery systems capture wasted heat and recirculate it to other areas.