How to stay cool and productive curing a UK heatwave

Workplace wellness & culture
Estimated read time: 3 mins
Last updated: 30/06/2025

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.

What are your rights when it’s this hot?

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.

They should be:

  • Making sure there’s proper ventilation and plenty of drinking water
  • Doing risk assessments when it gets this toasty
  • Considering flexible working when temperatures go mental
  • Generally not letting you suffer in silence

8 brilliant ways to beat the heat

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.

How we keep things cool at Work.Life

We’ve designed our spaces with exactly these situations in mind:

  • Climate control that actually works – No more sweating over your keyboard or shivering by the air con. We’ve got it just right.
  • Plenty of water stations – Filtered water throughout all our locations because staying hydrated shouldn’t be a mission.
  • Shower facilities – Perfect for cooling off after a sweaty commute or just freshening up during the day.
  • Flexible options – Need to escape your overheated home office for a day? We’ve got day passes. Looking for something longer-term?Our memberships are pretty flexible too.

Quick cooling hacks

  • Start your day with a cool shower (game changer)
  • Keep a spray bottle for instant face cooling
  • Cold flannel on your wrists and neck works wonders
  • Eat lighter meals with lots of water content
  • Desk fan = instant relief

The bottom line

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.

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