The Great Arctic Office Conspiracy Theory - Office Diaries

Have you heard of The Great Arctic Office Conspiracy theory? The evidence to support the theory lies in the sweaters that lie inside the desk drawers of thousands of women. Come on, don't tell me you haven't noticed your colleague shivering like she's stranded beyond the Wall.

For the longest time, I used to think this was all in my head. I am a student of MA Human Resource Management and Labour Relations at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. As a part of our course, we are required to work in different organisations every semester. I am currently in my fourth semester, and my fourth fieldwork organisation - and this place is no exception to that cold wave. Hence, just like any TISS-ian worth her salt, I decided to look at research (if any) around this phenomenon, and I struck gold.

Joost van Hoof, a Swedish researcher found the explanation behind this - the offices are apparently maintained at a temperature suitable for a 70 kg, 40-year-old man - a formula that was devised in the 1960s. Since we are nowhere near this 'model' we are consigned to wearing pullovers and sweaters inside the office even as we battle with the terrible Mumbai heat outside it.

Someone tell me how does this even make any sense.

Till people finally realise and try to put this right, I will be seeking refuge in the washrooms and accompanying my friends when they go on sutta breaks, and carrying Himalaya-worthy sweaters to the office.

-------------

About the Author:

Pooja Wanpal considers reading the sole aim of her life. She is obsessed with trekking, pani puri, and adores travelling. She is a freelance content writer, and has penned the novel, ‘Love and Lokpal’. She is currently studying Human Resource Management and Labour Relations at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She is also a part of the InsideIIM Student Team 2016-17. She is currently using swaddled in her dupatta because her fingers are too cold to type anymore.