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Summer is a time of long days, sunshine and occasionally, unbearable heat, particularly if you’re stuck in an office. Keeping cool in the workplace during the summer is more than just a matter of comfort, it’s essential for productivity and focus. Overheating can lead to fatigue, dehydration and sometimes even heat exhaustion. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to beat the heat and stay cool whilst working.
Your workspace is the first line of defence against the summer heat. Small changes in your environment can have a big impact on your comfort level.
If your office has air conditioning make sure the vents are open and unblocked. If you have space, position a fan on your desk to circulate the cooler air. Air movement helps evaporate sweat, cooling your body naturally.
Sunlight streaming through windows can quickly raise the temperature in the office. If you’re near a window, block out direct sunlight with blinds or curtains during the hotter parts of the day. Reflective window films can reduce the temperature by up to 75% by reflecting heat back outside without sacrificing natural light.
Electronic equipment generates heat and if your computer or other devices are hot, they can make your immediate surroundings warmer. Keep your PC’s internal fan clean and ensure it has good ventilation. If you use a laptop, elevate it or use a cooling pad to minimise heat retention.
A messy or cluttered desk can restrict airflow around you and your devices which will contribute to heat build up. Decluttering will improve the airflow and help keep the temperature down.
Choosing the right clothing when it’s hot is crucial for staying cool and it can significantly affect how hot you feel.
Choose clothing made for lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials allow air to circulate around your body and help sweat evaporate more easily helping to keep you cooler.
Dark colours absorb more heat so choose lighter shades like white, cream or pastels. These colours reflect sunlight and help keep your body temperature down.
Tighter clothes ill trap heat and restrict air circulation. Choosing loose fitting pieces allow for greater air flow and reduce the risk of overheating.
A water cooler is a must in any office environment. Encourage employees to bring a refillable bottle to work so that they can stay hydrated throughout the day. If you find plain water boring there are options – squashes or fruits can be added to water to give a refreshing flavour.
Too much caffeine and sugar can dehydrate you so it’s best to limit your intake. Herbal teas are a good alternative to tea and coffee.
High water content foods are an excellent way to hydrate yourself. Watermelon, oranges and strawberries, vegetables like cucumber and lettuce can help keep you cool from the inside out.
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Founded over 30 years ago, Cooleraid offers a nationwide service in the UK supplying water coolers, hot water boilers and bottle filling stations and hot water taps to schools, universities, businesses and the NHS. We pride ourselves on excellent customer retention and rapidly increasing new contract levels and we believe this is down to our commitment for providing water coolers to suit your needs at a cost that suits your budget!
