There is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK under the Health and Safety and Work Act.
Asking employees to work in the office during a heatwave could pose a risk to their health and safety, argued Cate Walter, director of health and safety consultancy Rhino Safety.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “Even if the office is air-conditioned or well ventilated, there are still risks associated with employees being required to be in the office during a heatwave.
“Things to consider include vulnerable workers (such as those aged over 65, pregnant workers, and those with chronic health conditions affected by heat), and how they may be affected by not only the temperature in the office but by their journey to work.”
Read more: Working in a heatwave: health and safety guidance
Employers should consider letting employees work from home during the heatwave to reduce absenteeism, suggested Carla Carsenzuola, senior HR director at learning platform Kahoot.
She told HR magazine: “As the heat in the UK reaches unprecedented levels this week, allowing employees to work from home will benefit business owners for a number of reasons.
“Productivity is likely to increase as employees can work in a comfortable environment, avoiding the discomfort and fatigue associated with overheated office spaces and crowded public transport. Additionally, it can reduce absenteeism, as employees are less likely to take sick leave if they can avoid the stress of commuting and working in high temperatures.”
Katherine O’Reilly, medical director at health and safety risk assessment provider International SOS, suggested employers could introduce policies that encourage employees to stay safe in the heat.
“Employers should integrate heat safety into their health and safety policies, ensuring appropriate measures, such as access to hydration and breaks, are in place whether employees work from the office or remotely,” she told HR magazine.
Read more: Union demands maximum work temperature law
She continued: “Talk to employees. It is important to find out how they feel and what measures they believe would be most helpful.
“They may find that productivity will be improved if they allow employees to work in short bursts with more frequent breaks, or extend working hours to start earlier and finish later with a longer break during the hottest part of the day.”
Integrating heat safety into wider wellbeing support could also encourage employees to stay sensible in the heat, commented Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Health and Protection.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “Linking the weather and temperature with an overall wellbeing strategy that supports people’s lifestyle behaviours helps to keep it topical, seasonal and relevant, and this can help increase employee engagement and utilisation of support.
“It can work well for a business to do some wellbeing awareness sessions around staying ‘well’ in the heat (this can cover both the UK when we get heatwaves and also when employees are on holiday or working aboard), reminding people of sensible measures to take.”
