As the temperatures rise, staying comfortable and healthy in an office in the heat of London in the summer can become a bit of a challenge. When it’s too hot at work, productivity and well-being can take a hit. While we look at how being hot in the office can affect you, we also look at how to keep yourself safe from the heat – and the importance of staying hydrated.

Understanding the impact of heat

When it’s too hot at work, the heat can affect your capacity to focus on daily tasks efficiently. Being hot means your body uses more energy trying to cool down and stay cool, leading to tiredness and a lack of concentration. When this happens, the results usually only go one way: slower response times, increased errors, and a general reduction in productivity.

Practical tips to help you stay cool

No one likes being too hot anywhere, let alone at work. But with warmer summers and higher temperatures now becoming the norm, here are some excellent ways to beat the heat at work:

Fans and air conditioning: Open windows to provide good ventilation in the office. If you use air conditioning, use fans to circulate the cool air for a comfortable office temperature.

Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Avoid any tight-fitting clothes that can trap heat and cause you discomfort.

Close blinds: Direct sunlight can increase the temperature in your office. To block the heat, keep your blinds or curtains closed during peak sunlight.

Take short, frequent breaks: Take short breaks every hour to help you cool down. Step away from your desk, stretch, and move to a cooler, shaded outdoor area.

How to stay hydrated at work

Drinking water is healthy for you in many ways, not least because it keeps you cool when your office is too hot – especially if you don’t have AC. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, making concentrating on the job difficult. So, knowing how to stay hydrated at work is crucial to helping you function at your best. 

Drink plenty of water: This is obvious, but aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day (as recommended by the NHS) or more when it’s hot. If you forget, set hourly reminders on your phone, or keep a reusable water bottle on your desk and refill it from your office mains-fed or bottled water cooler.

Infuse your water: Adding slices of fruit, such as lemon or cucumber, can give plain water a refreshing twist, making it more enjoyable and encouraging you to drink more.

Eat hydrating foods: Eating food with a high water content can help keep you hydrated. Try fruits like watermelon, oranges, or strawberries and vegetables like cucumbers and celery, 

Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks: Caffeinated drinks add to dehydration, so avoid them at all costs. Stick with water (infused or otherwise), herbal teas, or diluted fruit juices instead.

Get summer heat ready with Thirsty Work

It's essential to stay safe and hydrated in the London heat when it’s too hot at work. By following some or all of these tips, you can overcome the challenges of working in a hot workspace. Remember, small changes like this can make a real difference in keeping you cool, comfortable, and hydrated when it's too hot at work.

Start summer the way you mean to carry on with water delivery across London and the Southeast, keeping you cool, fresh, and hydrated all day. Call our customer service team on 0208 049 8501 or email hello@thirstywork.com today. We’ll give you a free quote, and you can start your 10-day free trial with an office mains-fed or bottled water cooler directly from our London depot.