How to talk to your boss about working in a heatwave
It’s a universally accepted truth that the UK simply isn’t built for heat. Trains slow down, offices become giant conservatories and we’re all suddenly far more aware of our colleagues’ choice of deodorant.
It’s a universally accepted truth that the UK simply isn’t built for heat. Trains slow down, offices become giant conservatories and we’re all suddenly far more aware of our colleagues’ choice of deodorant.
But as most of us are expected to spend a good chunk of our waking hours at work, what can we reasonably ask our bosses for when temperatures start nudging towards 38°C?
The good news? That doesn’t mean you’re expected to sit quietly and melt. Your manager is probably just as desperate to avoid turning the office into a human slow cooker.
If your workplace normally expects suits, shirts and other heat-trapping formalwear, it’s worth asking whether there’s room for a temporary dress-code relaxation.
No, we’re not suggesting everyone turns up looking like they’re heading to Ibiza.
But asking to swap trousers for smart shorts, ditch the tie or wear lighter fabrics is hardly unreasonable when the pavement outside is hot enough to fry an egg.
If you do raise it, focus on practicality. ‘I’ll be more comfortable and productive’ generally lands better than ‘I’d quite like to dress like I’m off to the beach’.
Starting earlier could mean avoiding both the hottest part of the day and the commuter crush, while later starts might work for those whose homes are cooler than their offices.
You could even argue it’s in the company’s interests. Studies have long linked excessive heat with poorer concentration, and nobody’s best ideas tend to emerge after 45 minutes on a delayed Tube train.
Most of us could probably do with drinking more water anyway, but when 38°C is forecast, you definitely need to up the intake.
Why not suggest regular team building water breaks? Perhaps suggest all meetings last the length of time it takes everyone to drink a glass of water.
It wouldn’t be too surprising if people start necking their water to avoid falling asleep.