Managing Maximum Workplace Temperatures During Hot Weather

[HFE Signs]

As the warmer weather continues, I'm interested to hear how other businesses approach the issue of maximum working temperatures and employee comfort.

While there isn't a specific legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, it's something we take seriously to ensure our team can work safely and comfortably.

At our site, our office areas are fully air-conditioned, which helps maintain a comfortable working environment. In our production areas, we maximise natural airflow by keeping the roller shutter doors and rear personnel doors open where it's safe and practical to do so. This creates good ventilation throughout the workspace and helps keep temperatures more manageable.

We also like to boost morale during particularly hot days with a simple gesture—treating everyone to an ice cream. It's a small thing, but it's always well received and helps show our appreciation for the team's hard work in challenging conditions.

I'm interested to know what measures other businesses have in place during periods of hot weather. Have you introduced any innovative solutions or policies to help keep your teams comfortable and productive?

 

[pentel]

My production teams have always been very keen to start very early ( 4-6am) and finish at lunchtime.

 

[SillyBill]

As the warmer weather continues, I'm interested to hear how other businesses approach the issue of maximum working temperatures and employee comfort.

While there isn't a specific legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, it's something we take seriously to ensure our team can work safely and comfortably.

At our site, our office areas are fully air-conditioned, which helps maintain a comfortable working environment. In our production areas, we maximise natural airflow by keeping the roller shutter doors and rear personnel doors open where it's safe and practical to do so. This creates good ventilation throughout the workspace and helps keep temperatures more manageable.

We also like to boost morale during particularly hot days with a simple gesture—treating everyone to an ice cream. It's a small thing, but it's always well received and helps show our appreciation for the team's hard work in challenging conditions.

I'm interested to know what measures other businesses have in place during periods of hot weather. Have you introduced any innovative solutions or policies to help keep your teams comfortable and productive?

We'd do the opposite. Let the cooler air in at 4-5 am when we first open, then keep the shutters down during the hottest part of the day (during a typical summer we'd normally have them open all day). It's a common approach in hotter climates. Once it's hotter outside than inside, leaving large roller shutters open just lets the heat in, particularly when there's very little breeze.

We also buy ice creams/ice pops, give regular breaks - I am not sure we see it as a nice gesture on our part though, its a bare minimum I'd expect an employer like ourselves to do when temperatures are getting as high as 35 degrees c. I'm just grateful people will work in those conditions for us so whatever they need we sort.

 

[NelaKo]

We’ve taken a similar practical approach rather than focusing on a fixed temperature. Good airflow makes a huge difference, especially in areas where people are moving around or working physically. We also try to encourage people to speak up if they’re struggling with the heat instead of just pushing through it. Small things like cold drinks, extra breaks, and adjusting workloads during the hottest parts of the day seem to go a long way. The ice cream idea is a nice touch too — it doesn’t solve the heat, but it’s a simple way to show the team they’re appreciated. The main thing for us is making sure people feel looked after when conditions get uncomfortable.