How to Keep Cool in the Office during Hot Weather

With temperatures in offices around the south of England hotting up, your office may become uncomfortable. In a country like England, experiencing weather of all extremes, how do you manage heat and maintain productivity among your staff? The heat of the Summer can even be a catalyst for change for some businesses – it could be time to look for a new office space. If this is so, what should you look for in an office tenancy that helps your workforce to manage fluctuating temperatures outside?

At Curchod & Co, we know commercial property. We know that from modern purpose built units to historic conversions, different buildings have very different capabilities when it comes to air management. So what are the long and short term considerations that can help?

Short Term Fixes

If staff in your building are struggling this Summer, what can be done to improve conditions in the short term? If you are a tenant in your office building, the changes that you can make are often superficial, or even cultural.

Moving Air

From opening windows in small listed building offices to offering desk fans to the workforce, keeping the air moving around the space (without turning it into a hurricane!) always helps in the heat. When many older buildings do not have sophisticated air management systems, it’s time to harness the ‘low tech’!

Different Habits

Employees can make changes to their daily habits to better manage working through a heatwave. Eating fresh foods little and often and remaining hydrated are the key ways to keep energised all day long. You can cool your pulse points by running your wrists under cold water. This cools the blood flow to the rest of your body.

Regular Breaks

Hot weather affects many people’s ability to concentrate. This is especially so for the various office workers who use one or more screens. Electronic devices generate heat, so it is vital to take breaks from screens. The idea behind encouraging regular breaks is that the time spent at a desk is more focused. And when you can use a break to go and get some office ice lollies, there’s really nothing to lose!

Long Term Considerations

Perhaps you are in the process of seeking a new business premises. Or maybe you plan to make amendments to your current business location. You may alternatively be a landlord seeking to make additions to your office space. In these cases, what elements should you consider when it comes to temperature management?

Air Regulation Systems

If you are a landlord refurbishing your office building,  consider the extremes of temperature that the UK experiences. It’s easy to react to a heatwave by purchasing portable air conditioning units. However, investment in systems that regulate an office temperature all year round is a great benefit for landlords to offer.

Fit Light Diffusing Blinds

Businesses love HQ buildings with large windows and glass throughout the office. On hot days, though, the sun can become oppressive. If you’re a long term tenant, a great way to improve your space is to invest in blinds that have thermal properties. Thermal blinds can even diffuse light so you can keep cool in the office whilst retaining natural light.

Office Layout

Excess heat is generated by electronics. Therefore, building owners and landlords should consider the position of serve rooms. Tenants should ensure that no individual is surrounded by monitors and printers.

One thing we do know in the UK: Summer comes round every year, and with it the inevitable complaints of us Brits who can’t cope with it!! So for landlords and tenants alike, it’s worth planning to ensure your building is up to the challenge. At Curchod & Co we have the knowledge to advise tenants of the best building and landlords of the best solutions.

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