Summer’s here once again. The nights are long, the sun gleams brightly overhead, and the days are hotter than ever. Whether you’re at the office, working outside, or working from home, rising summer temperatures shouldn’t be taken lightly – especially if they stem from a heatwave.
An uncomfortably high body temperature or an overly warm worksite can cause significant productivity loss. Not only that, if you’re not careful it can also create a ton of other health-related issues, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, heat rashes, and heat cramps. And that’s to say nothing of the tension and uncomfortably-warm workplace can create.
When the heat goes up, so too do stress levels – meaning more office conflicts and lower morale. Let’s talk about the how and why of avoiding that. Outside of investing in an air conditioning system (which you should already have), here are a few ways you can keep things cool, both as an employer and as an employee.
Employers
Keep the Blinds Closed
Especially during the hottest hours of the day, direct sunlight can create a ton of ambient heat, resulting in an effect similar to a sunroom or greenhouse. To keep the temperature low, productivity high, and the office cost-effective, it may be worthwhile to block out the sun altogether. You can open the shades and windows later in the evening to keep up air circulation, but during the hottest hours of the day, shuttering the shades might be the first step to keeping things cool and reducing the burden on your air conditioning.
Reflect and Reduce Heat
You’ve likely noticed how the sun reflects off a skyscraper. That’s not just a stylistic choice – it’s a functional one, as well. Reflective window films and coatings redirect the heat and UV rays of the sun, lest an office tower turns into an overly-tall oven.
If you have the money, they’re a worthy investment. This is not, however, your only option for heat reduction. Turning off lights and devices that aren’t in use can not only cut down on your electric bill but also reduce the amount of heat in your surroundings.
Making the switch to motion-sensitive or software-controlled LED bulbs is also a good idea, as they tend to put out less heat than traditional lighting. Better yet, doing this doesn’t just make your workplace more comfortable. It reduces your business’s environmental footprint, which can often be written off on your taxes.
Stay Abreast of OSHA
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has published a fairly extensive set of guidelines pertaining to heat management in the workplace. As an employer, It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with this framework. Understand the common causes of heat-related illnesses, and how you can play a part in their prevention.
This is more than just a matter of comfort, it’s the law.
Employees
Be Proactive
If you’re stuck in an office that’s too hot and there’s no relief in sight, you might consider using an ice pack or a cold compress on your neck, under your arms, or on your legs. By focusing cold temperatures on major pulse points, you can cool yourself off considerably, and quickly as well. That aside, stay hydrated.
Water is your friend, especially in hot weather. When temperatures climb, so too should your water intake, to help you keep pace with the heat. Keep a large water bottle by your desk, and consider adding fruit or mint slices if you want a bit of extra zest to your drinks.
Dress Well
Specific clothing types and fabric blends can also play a huge role in keeping you cool. Focus on materials that are cooling or moisture-wicking, such as cotton, linen, rayon, silk, or jersey. And if you’re stuck in an office that still has a dress code, consider exploring ways you can still dress professionally without overheating, such as an extra-light suit or short-sleeved dress shirts.
Listen to Your Body
In spite of your best efforts, the heat can sometimes get overwhelming. Stay vigilant. If you start experiencing muscle cramps, headaches, heavy sweating, rapid increases in your pulse, dizziness, or goosebumps, you are likely in the early stages of heat exhaustion, which can quickly progress into heatstroke.
Get yourself somewhere cool immediately, and consider calling for medical assistance if cooling off doesn’t help. Similarly, if you notice someone else in the office showing signs of heat stroke such as rapid breathing, confusion and agitation, nausea, extreme lethargy, or flushed skin, don’t be afraid to take action. They will likely appreciate the effort.
When temperatures spike, it’s important to focus on staying healthy. Prolonged exposure to heat does more than stymy productivity – it can be deadly. Keep cool, keep comfortable, and focus on your health.