With a summer heatwave affecting parts of the UK, employers are being urged to adopt flexible working arrangements to safeguard employee wellbeing and maintain productivity.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development, has published guidance encouraging organisations to take proactive steps to help staff stay comfortable and safe in unusually high temperatures.
Rachel Suff, employee relations adviser at the CIPD, said flexible working could be a simple but effective way to ease the pressure on staff during hot spells. “During periods of hot weather, employers should take proactive steps to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of their staff,” she said.
It may include letting employees work from home if they find it more comfortable and productive or offering staggered start and finish times to help them avoid the strain of peak-hour commuting in sweltering conditions.
Temperatures are set to exceed 30 Celsius this week in parts of the UK, the Met Office says, and the hot spell is due to take hold for some time.
Comfort a Health and Safety Issue
While many offices benefit from modern air conditioning, Suff noted that some work environments – particularly older buildings or those constructed with extensive glass – can become uncomfortably hot.
“There’s no specific legal maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK,” she said, “but employers have a duty of care and should ensure the temperature is reasonable.”
In practice, this means providing fans where air conditioning isn’t available, ensuring cold drinking water is easily accessible and relaxing dress codes to allow for cooler clothing options.
Planning Ahead for Heat Resilience
The CIPD advises employers to think ahead by carrying out risk assessments and discussing adjustments with staff in advance of predicted hot weather.
“These measures can help organisations ensure the health and safety of their workforce,” Suff said. “Employers should be particularly mindful of disabled people and those with a health condition who could face particular challenges during these times.”
Outdoor workers and those in safety-critical roles, such as drivers and construction workers, may be especially vulnerable, as high temperatures can cause fatigue and impair concentration. Employers are advised to review shift patterns, increase rest breaks and ensure access to shade and hydration.
Listening to Employees Is Key
Suff stressed that engaging directly with staff is one of the best ways to understand their needs during a heatwave. “By speaking to employees and finding out what their needs are, employers will be in a good position to ensure employees can stay comfortable and productive,” she said.
For organisations, taking heat seriously isn’t just about meeting health and safety obligations but is also a chance to show empathy, flexibility and leadership. And in a climate of rising temperatures and evolving employee expectations, that can only be good for workplace wellbeing.