The Heat is on...when it shouldn't be!

As we all know now, heatwaves (for some) are becoming more and more 'usual' in the U.K. and not just the 25 to 28 degree ones.

The upper 30's, with the humidity they bring, means many of Britain's buildings are heating up more often and for longer periods.

Is it time to rethink how we manage the climate in businesses?

Having worked with stifling heat in retail, even before climate change was moved up the agenda, heat (and cold) is an age old problem for many businesses.

While there are a few places you could name, like big food superstores, which have to remain cool (even when some of their freezers break down!), many places which have the ability, haven't invested in proper air conditioning and therefore their people.

Recently I was in a big chain coffee shop with poor climate control. Yes, it has one air conditioner to fill a large space, but it's completely ineffective unless you are right under the table it's positioned at. Even then it's making a half hearted attempt to keep those in the vicinity, cool. Unfortunately for the staff, it's too far away to have any benefits.

Talking of the staff, I'm seeing mistakes being made with orders, poor (irritable service), some staff over compensating for others who have perhaps understandably slowed to a snails pace (so everyone will burn out soon), and generally messy uncleaned tables.

Evidentially, when the climate is temperate, this doesn't happen in this coffee shop, and I have been there many times.

Heat at work is not healthy, because it can...

• Bring on unnecessary headaches and migraines.

  
  

• Produce excessive tiredness. (Uncomfortable work place, not sleeping when at home)

  
  

• Induce dizziness.

  
  

• Create a lack of focus.

  
  

• Affect breathing.

  
  

• See employees taking dangerous shortcuts.

  
  

• Be embarrassing for some, sweating in front of customers.

  
  

• Cause excessive de-hydration.

What are the benefits of a regulated temperature in the workplace?

• Keeps staff alert.

  
  

• Avoids costly mistakes/accidents.

  
  

• Reduces customer complaints.

  
  

• Improves decision making.

  
  

• Reduces absenteeism.

  
  

• Employer is seen to take action and believe in the importance of staff's wellbeing.

Climate control is a worthwhile investment in your people & customers, certainly in industries where staff are being exercised.

If you have the ability & finances to control your climate, fix poor air conditioning and value your staff and customers...do the right thing.

Even better if you can make the energy produced renewable.

And for those people that have to work outside in extreme heat, spare a though here too, & especially if you are one of the fortunate air conditioned ones!

Let's hope their employers have measures (and thoughtfulness!) in place to support them.

Coffee shop update - 2 weeks on, the AC has been fixed. There are actually two of them and the cool air they are admitting is benefitting both the staff and customers - Everyone is much happier too and operating productively...result!