“In the summer time when the weather is fine”
Well, that was a nice change wasn’t it? If the great summer heatwave of June 2017 has left you wanting more, we’ve prepared a few tips for keeping cool while you’re at the office. Well, we are prone to complaining about most things, including good weather!
Make the most of your outside spaces
Does your workplace have a patio, garden, or outdoor workspace? It might be about time to take the 10am meeting outdoors… Seriously, though, working outside can vastly increase the productivity of employees, as well as lifting mood and morale. One word of warning; try and avoid the hottest points of the day if you can, and aim to provide sufficient shade if you will be working outside.
Drink plenty of water
It goes without saying that you should aim to drink plenty of water while the weather is as hot as it’s been. Cups of tea and coffee can also provide much-needed hydration, but may not be as practical as keeping a bottle of water at every workstation. Office managers should ensure that water coolers are kept topped up, too.
Use fan power
Opening a window may let in a breeze, but it’s just as likely to drag warm, stuffy air into the office. If you’ve an open-plan space with plenty of cubicles ensure you’re placing fans strategically to make the most of the cool air. If your department consists of separate offices it’s a good idea to provide fans, allow employees to bring their own fans to work, or make sure you’re providing air conditioning.
Relax the dress code
Social media was ablaze with stories about workplace dress codes as the summer temperatures soared last month. Male office employees in particular were quick to decry their luck; while women were allowed to don skirts, blouses, and dresses, many men were unable to wear shorts. Use your common sense; if employees have noted discomfort consider the ways that their clothing may be hindering their performance. Happy, healthy, and comfortable workers will be more productive than those that are feeling the effects of the heat – or staying home as a form of protest.
Encourage employees to wake up earlier
We’re aware this one may be an unpopular tip. However, morning commutes can be among the most stressful, and sweaty, hours that your employees are likely to experience in any given day. Encourage your employees to minimise that stress by setting off for work a little earlier than usual. Not only will employees hopefully avoid the morning crush, but they’ll be afforded time to get off the bus or train a little early to walk the rest of the way – if they so desire.
Did you know…?
There is no legal requirement for offices to be a particular temperature. That said, it pays to consider the comfort and wellbeing of employees if they’re likely to be cooped up in the office for hours at a time. General consensus seems to suggest that thirty degrees Celsius the upper limit; any more than that and you will need to consider the measures you’re able to undertake to improve office conditions.
The summer sun may have disappeared behind the clouds once again, for now, but we hope you’ll be better prepared to cope with any future heat waves we may be lucky enough to experience this summer!
If you’d like to find out more about call recording or call logging software please don’t hesitate to give us a call; we’d be happy to tell you everything we know – which happens to be rather a lot! Drop us a line on 0333 0022 440, or contact us. We’re here ready to help.