Working from home has become the norm for many, offering flexibility and comfort. However, hot weather can turn your cozy home office into a sweltering challenge.
We have been fortunate (or unfortunate if you are not a sun lover) in the UK to be told that the end of June 2024 should see a heat wave with temperatures of up to 28 degrees. Whilst this temperature is not considered very hot in some countries, for most of us in the UK this will be very uncomfortable, especially for those who will be working during peak temperatures in the day.
Offices and workplaces do have legal guidelines that they are required to follow during extreme weather conditions but, when employees work remotely, that responsibility falls onto the individual to ensure they are looking after their physical and mental well-being and to continue meeting the desired output for their job requirements.
We are always told how important our hydration is to our bodies, but in hot weather, it becomes vital to keep hydrated to allow our bodies to function normally – and for us to maintain a good concentration level at work!
The NHS recommends that adults drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of water daily, but in hotter weather, this may need to be increased as we lose more fluid and salts through perspiring. A lack of water in our bodies will cause us to begin to dehydrate – this will have a physical impact on our bodies which will start to make you feel unwell.
Dehydration can take days to fully recover from, and in severe cases, hospitalisation can be required. Take the opportunity to check in on your colleagues, and ensure they are working sensibly and drinking lots of fluids, especially if they are considered as being vulnerable.
However, there are more things that you can do to keep yourself cool and comfortable in hot weather whilst working remotely. So, here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep you productive and comfortable when working from home during a heatwave.
Dos
- Stay Hydrated
- Do: Keep a water bottle at your desk and drink regularly. Aim for at least eight glasses a day. Consider adding slices of fruit or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
- Dress Lightly
- Do: Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Opt for loose-fitting clothing to allow air circulation and keep your body cool.
- Optimize Your Workspace
- Do: Set up your workstation in the coolest part of your home. Use fans or portable air conditioners if needed. Close curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight.
- Take Frequent Breaks
- Do: Step away from your desk every hour to stretch and cool down. Short breaks can prevent overheating and improve concentration.
- Use Technology Wisely
- Do: Make use of apps and tools to maintain productivity. Use task managers to organize your workload and video conferencing tools with minimal bandwidth to reduce the heat generated by your devices.
- Stay Cool with Cool Treats
- Do: Treat yourself to cold snacks like fruit popsicles, smoothies, or a bowl of chilled fruit. These not only cool you down but also provide a refreshing break.
- Adjust Your Work Hours
- Do: If possible, start earlier in the morning or work later in the evening when temperatures are lower. This can help you avoid the peak heat of the day.
Don’ts
- Avoid Overworking
- Don’t: Push yourself to work longer hours just because you are at home. Overworking can lead to heat exhaustion and burnout. Stick to your regular working hours.
- Don’t Skip Meals
- Don’t: Miss meals, thinking it will save time. Eating regular, balanced meals helps maintain energy levels and keeps you hydrated, especially with foods that have high water content like fruits and vegetables.
- Limit Use of Heat-Generating Devices
- Don’t: Use devices that generate a lot of heat, such as ovens or stoves, during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for no-cook meals or use a microwave.
- Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
- Don’t: Consume excessive caffeine or alcohol as they can lead to dehydration. Opt for water, herbal teas, or hydrating beverages instead.
- Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
- Don’t: Ignore signs of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headaches, or excessive sweating. Take immediate action by moving to a cooler place, hydrating, and resting.
- Avoid Overloading Power Outlets
- Don’t: Overload power outlets with multiple devices. This can increase room temperature and pose a fire risk. Use power strips with surge protectors and distribute your devices across different outlets.
- Don’t Neglect Air Circulation
- Don’t: Let your workspace become stuffy. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans to keep the air moving and reduce the temperature.
Final Thoughts
Working from home during hot weather requires a bit of planning and awareness. By following these dos and don’ts, you can create a comfortable and productive home working environment even during the hottest days. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep your workspace optimized for the best work-from-home experience.
But most importantly, look after yourself and please talk to your manager or employer if you are struggling or need help during extreme weather!