If you're concerned about the extreme weather warnings covering many parts of the UK over the next few days, you may be wondering if there is a maximum working temperature in place ...
So, there are a few things you can do as the temperature increases:
- Supply desk fans for employees. There are many low cost USB-powered ones available that can be plugged into computer ports and help keep them cool
- Be relaxed about workwear, giving employees flexibility on how to wear it during warm spells
- Support all of your disabled employees, and pregnant and menopausal women by allowing them to work from home if necessary. If they must be in the office, allow them to take longer or more frequent rest breaks, reducing their normal duty levels or moving them to cooler areas
- Turn the air conditioning up where possible, or offer incentives like ice creams and cold drinks if appropriate.
Of course, issues with travelling can occur in extreme heat with train lines buckling, road tarmac melting or the electricity supply network being overloaded causing delays with signalling or traffic lights. Trains and cars can also become unreliable in hot weather, so reasonable leniency should be applied if staff are late.
You may notice an influx of annual leave requests at the moment, to make the most of the hot weather. If you can extend normal caps then that may also help with motivation and productivity when they return to the office.
And finally, don't jump to conclusions if people try and get sick leave during periods of extreme weather. It is difficult to prove someone is faking an illness, so normal absence management processes should be followed.
If you feel inspired to find out more about anything I've said here, do call me on 01908 774320 or leave a comment below and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.