Hot Weather

Glenn Trafford
Member - 1 post

Hi Mark,

Firstly, agree an air conditioning budget! If you can demonstrate that this improves productivity, it should get management buy-in. However, there are alternatives to using a/c in the current climate:

You may consider whether insulation can be adopted (and whether grant funding is avilable to assist!), as this also aids to keep heat out, as well as in. There is also the use of natural methods, such as plants and trees to provide cover over windows.

One of the best methods I have tested is to keep peoples wrists cool - this really gives the impression of a cooling body temprature. This can be by using cooling pads (One colleague placed his watch in the fridge overnight), or by regularly soaking wrists in cold water.

Best of luck!

Regards


Glenn

Dawn Line
Member - 1 post

The wrist cooling is a great idea. In my previous place of work, to help keep staff cool. I used to fill 2 litre pop bottles 3/4 full of water and freeze them, these were then placed in strategic but safe places around the office. You could also purchase stand alone coolers, these are not as expensive as air con, but also not as effective.

Stuart Forrest
Member - 3 posts

Hi,
We allow some flexibilitywith dress down or dress code, basically, I'm sat in shorts and a polo shirt for the last week or so. We have fans and windows but suffer from the heat.

I've also previsouly allowed some flexibility with dress code, it also goes down well with the staff.

Bozena Benton
Member - 58 posts

also ensure that all your staff keep up their fluid intake (non-alcoholic) to ensure they do not become dehydrated which can lead to headaches, nausea and lethargy - ice cream runs are also good - common sense but air conditioning isn't always a solution especially for small companies

you don't say what type of building you occupy - office or factory

Joanne Hirst
Member - 1 post

We are in an open plan office which holds up to approx 12 people, last year we purchased 2 free standing air con units, they did the job of cooling down the office, but they are noisy.

The ice-cream suggestion is good, maybe try other things as well like watermelon, slush puppy, ice pops, etc. You may find it boosts moral as people will see this as some type of reward and a talking point.

Knowing what the British weather is like, by the time you read this you will have the windows shut, heating on and wearing jumpers!

Mark Chapman
Member - 3 posts

Thanks everyone for your input.

It can be difficult when you know that in a short space of time the conditions within an office will change. I like the idea of the frozen bottles and wrist cooling particularly.

Thanks again everyone, very much appreciated.

James Fairchild
Member - 336 posts

I find air conditioning uncomfortable to my throat - much prefer an opening window.

Some good ideas chaps.

Phill S
Member - 69 posts

James.
A few years ago I developed an infection in my sinuses, and one thing my Doctor advised me was to try and stay out of air conditioned rooms if I could.

Unfortunately I had to work in an air conditioned office for a couple of days, this made me feel quite ill, and was glad when I could get out.

One of the office workers told me that several people had complained about the air con, and 1 worker had left because it made her Ill.

I beleive the problem is that air conditioning, cooling or heating needs a flow of air, and there also needs to be some moisture content too.

Often people will work in offices with windows shut, doors sealed (to meet fire regulations) and where any filters are required they are often forgotten about, leading to a very uncomfortable environment.

So, I can absolutely sympathise with what you say.