With the energy crisis, many have reduced heating and are taking new steps to make savings. Companies have also lowered the thermostat during the day, often to 19°C.
For some, completely turning off the heating during the night and in their absence has also become a habit. This does not suit the housekeepers and cleaners who often work in empty buildings and now face doing their job in the cold.
The cases of insufficiently heated buildings have increased to such a level that a Walloon company which provides cleaning personnel, TS Wallonie, recently sent a letter to its customers, asking them to take into account the comfort of their employees.
14 or 15°C, it's not enough
"In recent weeks, we have been regularly approached by our domestic helpers regarding acceptable temperatures,” Nathalie Motheu, operational manager at TS Services, told RTBF. “14 or 15°C is not enough."
Until now, the company has resorted to direct contact with the customer in case of a problem. But the rise in cases has prompted the company to send out a blanket message which asks all customers to "temporarily provide the rooms in which work is carried out the minimum temperature and turn it off again when the cleaner leaves."
"We hope to raise awareness among our customers," continued Nathalie Motheu. “Even though temperatures have softened, winter is not over.”
Related News
- Over 20,000 Belgians left waiting for promised heating allowance
- Explained: What support can you receive in Belgium for energy-efficient renovations?
"The comfort temperature is a subjective notion,” she argued. “We understand the need for energy savings but the working conditions of our staff must be taken into account."
TS Wallonie is not alone in asking for warmer working conditions. "We kindly ask you to keep the heating on when your housekeeper comes to work," says another company on its website. "A minimum 16°C" asks another operator.
