Remote-only Business Offers Seven Savvy Tips on How to Keep Cool in the Heatwave

August 2024: With the hottest day of the year upon us, people across the UK are undoubtedly flocking to the nearest beach or pub garden to soak in the sun. Working in a heatwave, however, is an entirely different matter. 

During extreme heat, employees often find it more difficult to concentrate and productivity levels tend to plummet. 

Riannon Palmer, Founder of Lem-uhn, the remote-only PR agency for brands that care, offers tips on how to keep cool in the heatwave.

Start the day earlier

Mornings and evenings are usually the coolest parts of the day. Beat the heat by starting the working day earlier, take a longer-than-usual break in the afternoon when temperatures peak and then finish off any work in the evening if you need to.

Take longer breaks

Taking longer breaks during the hottest parts of the day and working during cooler periods can help you get that much-needed motivation. 

Avoid public transport

For those working at companies with remote working policies, avoid public transport at all costs. This not only keeps you cooler but also reduces overall stress.

Wear appropriate, light-weight clothing

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to keep cool. When working from home, dress in airy, comfortable, and casual clothes without worrying about corporate dress codes!

Drink plenty of water 

While this is a rather obvious one, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential to staying hydrated and helping to regulate your body temperature.

Fans & Sprays 

If you’re unable to work from home, use desk fans and bring cooling spray to help you keep cool and calm in clammy times. 

Shut those blinds

If you work near a window that’s letting in direct sunlight, try partially or fully shutting the blinds/curtains to keep those rays away.

Riannon offers some final thoughts on keeping cool and why remote working should be considered by companies who are able to implement remote working options:

“As a remote-only agency, our employees don’t have to worry about taking public transport in the scorching heat. Instead, they can either stay at home or opt for another shady location of their choosing. We also offer a work-from-anywhere policy which allows employees to work up to 45 days per year outside the UK. So even if an employee wanted to work in Alaska to escape the heat, they absolutely can!

“Cooler, happier employees lead to more productive ones. This in turn leads to better results. Since the pandemic, remote working has become much more popular yet there’s still a way to go. Many business owners are still reluctant to offer complete flexibility and remote working. This needs to change. By giving employees what they desire most – more flexibility and remote working opportunities – businesses can benefit from happier and more productive employees.”