How to Keep Your Office Cool This Summer

The sweltering heat in the UK may be short lived but can still affect the productivity of workers across the country. This applies even more so in a crowded office where employees are required to stay indoors throughout the working day. 

Rising temperatures can make staff lethargic and even cause dehydration in some cases. Because of this, it pays to invest time and money into heat control methods that help staff feel more comfortable carrying out their day-to-day duties.

Air Conditioning

An office without an air-con unit installed is practically unheard of in the UK. They’ll maintain a constant, manageable and desirable temperature for your office whilst also reducing humidity.

Fans

With or without air-con, placing numerous fans around the office will help staff keep cool this summer. Use large fans placed in optimum positions around the room or provide smaller desktop fans for individual workspaces.

Water Machine

A simple yet effective solution is to provide a water dispenser machine. Your employees will really appreciate its presence in the office, providing them with much needed refreshment when the heat starts to take its toll.

Solar Control Window Film

Sun protection window film will block out around 75% of solar heat, ensuring your office will remain a moderate temperature throughout the day. This can be especially useful for high-rise office blocks where the sun will penetrate with more potency.

Block Out Sunlight

If solar-control film isn’t a viable option for your office windows, instead you should simply block out sunlight by closing blinds and curtains. This may seem a strange thing to do in the summer but will really help lower rising temperatures when the sun’s at its hottest.

Dress Appropriately

Even if your company enforces a strict dress code on employees, it may pay to relax these rules when the summer temperatures start to kick in. Allow staff to wear looser clothing and footwear so they remain comfortable during working hours.

Turn Off Equipment

Offices are commonly equipped with numerous computers that are switched on for many hours at a time. They’ll emit additional heat that can slowly raise the temperature of the room. Make sure any devices that aren’t in use are turned off during the summer months.

Regular Breaks

If you can see the heat affecting productivity, it can be worthwhile to let staff take a few more breaks throughout the day. This applies especially to the early afternoon when the sun is at its hottest.