The UK’s sweltering through another scorching heatwave, and if you’re struggling to stay focused whilst your workspace feels like a sauna, you’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re working from home, in a traditional office, or anywhere in between, extreme heat can seriously mess with your productivity levels.
At Work.Life, we get it. We’ve all been there, trying to concentrate whilst feeling like we’re melting into our desk chairs. So we’ve put together some tried-and-tested strategies to help you beat the heat and stay on top of your game during these ridiculously hot days.
First things first, let’s talk about what your employer should be doing. Whilst there’s no legal maximum temperature for UK workplaces (we know, bit mad isn’t it?), your employer still has a duty to keep you safe and comfortable during a heatwave like this.
1. Sort out your space
Move your desk away from that window that’s been acting like a greenhouse all morning. Close those blinds during the hottest part of the day (usually 11am-3pm), and if you’ve got blackout curtains, now’s the time to use them.
2. Be smart about your hours
Why torture yourself during peak heat? Start earlier, finish earlier, and make the most of those lovely cool morning hours when your brain actually works properly. Make the best out of working in this heat.
3. Dress for success (and comfort)
Ditch the formal wear if you can get away with it. Light colours, loose fits, and breathable fabrics are your best friends right now. Most UK employers are pretty understanding about relaxed dress codes during heatwaves.
4. Drink all the water
Keep that water bottle topped up and aim for 2-3 litres throughout the day. Your brain needs it more than you think. And maybe ease up on the coffee, it’s not helping with the whole staying cool thing.
5. Give your tech a break
Your laptop’s probably running hotter than usual too. Get a cooling pad, make sure there’s airflow around your devices, and close any apps you don’t actually need. Every little helps.
6. Take proper breaks
Heat makes it harder to concentrate, so don’t fight it. Try the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of work, then a 5-minute cooling-off break. Your productivity will thank you for it.
7. Find your cool space
Sometimes home just isn’t cutting it. That’s where spaces like ours come in handy. Our London, Manchester, and Reading locations are all lovely and air-conditioned, with everything you need to stay comfortable and productive.
8. Know when to call it
Watch out for the warning signs: feeling dizzy, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, or just can’t think straight. If that’s happening, move somewhere cooler, drink some water, and give yourself a proper break.
We’ve designed our spaces with exactly these situations in mind:
Look, UK heatwaves are becoming more common, so it’s worth getting good at dealing with them. The key is being flexible, staying hydrated, and not being a hero about working in uncomfortable conditions.
If your usual workspace is making you miserable, don’t suffer in silence. Whether it’s adjusting your hours, changing your setup, or finding somewhere with proper air con, there are always options.
We’re here if you need a cool, comfortable place to get things done. Sometimes a change of scenery (and temperature) is exactly what you need to get back on track.
Fancy escaping the heat? Check out our day passes and flexible memberships across London, Manchester, and Reading. We promise it’s lovely and cool inside.
Tailored solutions for growing teams
Adding 10 or more team members? That’s exciting — and we’re here to help! For teams like yours, we offer custom membership options designed to fit your needs perfectly.
Let us know some more information using the form below — we usually reply within an hour during business hours. Prefer to chat? Give us a call on 020 3349 8269 — we’d love to hear from you!