How to help employees endure high temperatures and maintain their productivity

The summer months are challenging for employees in many operations. High temperatures reduce concentration, increase fatigue and in some cases they can affect health. If you want your team to be not only safe but also productive in summer, it is worth creating an environment that takes into account the temperature conditions and the real needs of people.

High temperatures do not affect only employees’ comfort. They can lead to a higher error rate, increased fatigue, reduced productivity, and a greater risk of workplace accidents. Working conditions can be significantly improved even with small changes in work organization.

Access to water

It sounds obvious, but it is not obvious everywhere. Employees should have unlimited access to clean drinking water, cooled ideally. In large spaces or outdoors, consider placing mobile water reservoirs or water stations.

Useful hint: Also make available glasses or bottles employees can refill for themselves during the day.

Modifying the work regime

If possible, schedule physically demanding or essential tasks for the early morning or early evening hours when the temperatures are more bearable. Alternatively, consider shifting work hours or reorganizing shifts so that employees are not unnecessarily overloaded during the hottest hours.

Rest areas and extra breaks

Summer days also call for short extra breaks during which employees can relax in the shade or in an air-conditioned area. If this is not possible indoors, create a simple outdoor rest area, e.g. a shaded space with seating and a cooler water on hand.

Think about ventilation and proper air conditioning settings

If the workplace is air-conditioned, make sure the temperature is not set too low. Large differences between outdoor and indoor temperatures can result in health problems. Ideally, the temperature difference should be kept at around 5 to 7 °C. In areas without air conditioning, regular morning ventilation and shading windows during the hottest hours can help keep the space cooler.

Clothing and sun protection

In outdoor or hot areas, ensure suitable light work clothes, headwear, sunscreen or glasses - depending on the type of work. It is important that employees are not exposed to direct sunlight without protection.

Hygiene during heat

In summer, sweating, a humid environment and higher incidence of bacteria mean higher demands on workplace hygiene.
Pay attention to regular supplementing of paper towels, disinfectants and soaps, or toilet paper.

Recommendation: Choose large-capacity and high-quality products which withstand their frequent use and reduce the need for refilling during the day.

Address the employees

Instead of setting everything "from above", do a short internal survey and ask the employees directly. Sometimes they come up with great and simple ideas from adding an extra fan to changes in the schedule. You gain better insight and also give people the feeling that their opinion matters.

Praise works wonders

Even a simple gesture like a short feedback, recognition or just being able to say "it's tough today, we´ll manage it together" can help a lot. Employees will appreciate it if the management notices real conditions and reacts to them with understanding.
By creating simple but functional measures, you show your employees that you care about them and this will be reciprocated in the form of their loyalty, efficiency and a better atmosphere.

Offices also need a summer mode

Even though at first glance, the office environment seems to be more comfortable than production or a warehouse environment, heatwaves also affect the work comfort, productivity and concentration of employees at the desks.

Recommendations for the summer regime in offices:
- adjust the dress code - on more informal days, light clothing made of breathable materials may be allowed
- provide additional window shading or table fans in places affected by greatest heat
- support off-screen breaks - already 5 minutes off-screen and in a ventilated area will help restore concentration
- offer employees cooled water with lemon or mint - a small detail that can have a big effect

Do not underestimate the symptoms of overheating

The first symptoms include:
- headache,
- dizziness,
- excessive fatigue,
- nausea,
- intense thirst,
- rapid heartbeat.

If an employee experiences these symptoms, it is advisable to stop working, move to a cooler place, and supplement fluids.

Are you interested in how to improve conditions in the workplace all year round?

You will find in it practical advice for improving the atmosphere, hygiene and well-being in interiors throughout the year.

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