UK workers expected to be 30% less productive during heatwave
With temperatures set to soar above 30°C, experts are warning that UK workers could be up to 30% less productive, which is the equivalent of losing nearly one and a half workdays each week. And with many offices still not equipped for extreme heat, this dip could cost businesses thousands.
Leading office furniture specialist Furniture At Work has partnered with Maria-Teresa Daher-Cusack, an Organisational Psychologist at Health Assured, to share how heat can affect the body, along with some practical solutions around how you can beat the rising temperatures.
With London, Manchester and Birmingham all forecast to hit 30°C+, employees in these cities may feel the effects most.
Maria-Teresa explains “comfort isn’t a luxury in the workplace; it’s a psychological and physiological necessity for sustained productivity and wellbeing. When we experience physical discomfort, such as being too hot, our bodies go into a mild state of stress. Instead of devoting mental energy to tasks like problem-solving, critical thinking, or creative work, the brain is preoccupied with regulating internal temperature and managing discomfort”.
The effects of heat on workers and how to stay productive:
Increased risk of conflict
According to Maria-Teresa: “Research suggests that people are more likely to interpret ambiguous interactions more negatively when they are physically uncomfortable, increasing the potential for conflict”, and so it is important to make communication clear in times of high discomfort.
Dehydration
“When it’s too warm, people may experience dehydration, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and even nausea. These symptoms can reduce physical stamina and make even simple tasks feel more demanding” explains Maria-Teresa. “Keep a water bottle on your desk and constantly hydrate throughout the day, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to have a drink. Snack on hydrating foods such as cucumber and watermelon.”
Lack of sleep
“Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can also disrupt sleep patterns, meaning employees may come to work already fatigued.” warns Maria-Teresa. To reduce exposure during office days, desk fans and cooling gel pads can help keep your body regulated. Where possible, try to seek out shaded workspaces and make sure to keep the blinds closed. Turn off any unnecessary lights too, especially lamps.
Heavier workload
Warning of how the heat affects our view of everyday tasks, Maria-Tersa explains “when we experience being too hot, our bodies go into a mild state of stress, triggering our sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response. Instead of devoting mental energy to tasks, the brain is preoccupied with regulating internal temperature and managing discomfort.”
If works allows you to, try to start your working day earlier to take advantage of the cooler morning hours. If possible, try and complete more demanding and high-focus work during this time as well.
