Working hard can be taxing. Working hard in very hot conditions can be dangerous. This is why many countries will have limits as to how long businesses can operate depending on the weather. If a certain measure is hit, the likelihood of staff suffering health issues, especially in physically demanding roles, is no longer worth the risk. That being said, sometimes a heatwave is right before that line, but still deeply uncomfortable for everyone involved. In these scenarios, knowing how to manage staff in such warm conditions is important. If you’ve been suffering record temperatures or expend them at the tail end of this summer, you may wish to review your practices. In this post, we’ll help you do exactly that by sharing our 4 tips.
By Team Savant
Install Air Conditioning & Ventilation
Air conditioning installation can help you prepare in advance and makes a world of difference, but it's not the only solution. Opening windows early in the day lets cooler air in, and fans can help circulate it around so people can breathe. It's also worth thinking about where hot equipment like computers are placed. They can make rooms even hotter if under heavy load all day, so maybe moving them or cooling them separately could help.
Allow Remote Work
Working from home during hot spells can be a massive relief for your staff. Houses are usually set up for comfort, so they might be cooler than offices or at least staff have more freedom like just working in their underpants if they wish to.. It also means avoiding hot commutes on buses or in cars. Remote work isn't always possible for every job, but where it is, it can be a great provision to allow, even if you have to send your entire office home.
Emphasise Hydration
Setting up water coolers in a few spots or providing water bottles might help staff keep hydrated, as even adults can forget to drink enough sometimes. Some workplaces use apps to remind people to drink, which is an interesting approach. It doesn't have to be just plain water, though. Herbal teas or fruit-infused water can be refreshing alternatives, and making sure all this is on show can be a lovely investment.
Allow Early Finishes & Longer Breaks
Letting people leave early means they're not stuck in the heat or on stuffy public transport later in the day. Longer breaks give more time to cool off and rehydrate. Some places implement a sort of siesta during the hottest hours, and if you’re at all capable of using measures like this, it’s hard not to be seen as someone looking out for their staff, someone who really cares about mutual comfort and the ability to ward off the heat. Better yet, if you’re at all concerned about staff, such as those working in a hot inner-city kitchen, you might just suspend hot food at lunch service or whatever other measures you need to take to avoid danger.
With this advice, you’re certain to manage staff responsibly, even in intensive heatwaves.