Member Article

Heatwave melts productivity

78% of UK employees feel they are unable to do their job if their workplace is too hot, according to research by recruitment consultant Office Angels. 62% of workers said that a hot office can result in a typical task taking up to 25% longer than usual to complete, and almost a fifth said that heating problems often cause confrontations in the office, with colleagues unable to agree on how hot or cold the temperature should be. Strict office dress codes for male employees were also seen as a problem during hot weather, with 65% of male office workers questioned reporting that they are expected to wear a shirt, jacket and tie regardless of the high temperatures, making sitting at a desk or travelling to meetings ‘unbearable’. Managing director of Office Angels Paul Jacobs, commented: “Despite recently experiencing one of the hottest July days on record it seems some employers are failing to get the basics right when it comes to keeping their workforce happy. Small gestures make a big difference - allowing staff to dress according to the heat, will mean employees are far more comfortable, relaxed and able to get on with the job in hand.” A third of UK offices don’t have an air conditioning system, with many employers relying solely on open windows or fans to cool their workers in hot weather.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .