Kestrel HR shares its top tips for beating the heating in the workplace this summer.

It's hotting up this week, and hopefully employers are already putting measures into place to help keep their staff comfortable and happy, and the business productive.

There is no minimum or maximum legal temperature for the workplace, although organisations have a responsibility to ensure it is reasonable to work in.

It's not just the physical effects of heat to be aware of (light-headedness, lethargic, headaches etc).

Extreme heat can also cause people to struggle mentally, find it difficult to concentrate, and become irritable with their colleagues.

Here's some steps employers should consider implementing to keep everyone happy and safe:

Stay hydrated – provide fresh drinking water, encouraging workers to drink regularly, not just when they are thirsty.

Keep air cool – provide fans or use air conditioning. Ensure windows can be opened and closed. Use blinds or shades to block direct sunlight.

Appropriate clothing – allow clothing more suitable for hotter weather (lightweight, rather than beachwear!) Consider relaxing rules for wearing suits and ties, for example.

Flexible work hours – where possible introduce flexible hours to avoid high temperatures and allow more frequent breaks.

Consider vulnerable groups – certain people will be more affected by the heat, for example, older people, pregnant women, people on medication and possibly women experiencing perimenopause/menopause symptoms.

Getting to work – public transport can often be affected, so encourage staff to check their route ahead of time.

Remote workers – if appropriate, allow staff to work from the office or from home, depending on where they feel they'll be most productive.

Outdoor workers – if possible, provide shade in working areas, reschedule work to cooler times of the day, allow more frequent breaks and encourage workers to remove any PPE during rest-times.

Educate – raise awareness of how workers can help themselves during hot weather and how to recognise the symptoms of and prevent heat stress.

Inviting suggestions from everyone when deciding what steps are needed is a great idea and will hopefully make sure all bases are covered.

If you need further help, contact Kestrel HR today for an initial chat.

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