Heat in the workplace? Follow these 10 fresh tips
6min read
22/06/2020
The mercury on the thermometer climbs steadily. Your mind wanders to a refreshing cocktail, followed by a barbecue and a splash in the pool. And then comes the realisation: you’re still at work.… As it gets warmer, you feel more tired and find it harder to concentrate. Rest assured, you are not alone! During summer, almost everyone struggles in a too-hot workplace. Looking for ways to still get through your working day fresh and fruity? Then follow the tips below and shut out the heat altogether.
Cool down with these 10 fresh tips
Is balmy hot weather on the cards? Then don’t give heat in the workplace a chance and keep your cool with the tips below. Don’t let them get hot!
► 1. Wash your hands and cool down
There is nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool. Too bad we can’t take a splash in between meetings. Nevertheless, there is a way to cool down your body quickly. You do this by regularly refreshing your feet, wrists and neck. In these areas of our body, our arteries are close to the skin. Our heat receptors are most sensitive here. So regularly put your hands under a stream of cold water so that your whole body can cool down along with it. Blessed!
► 2. Drinking water is the message
We cannot repeat it often enough: drink plenty of water. To keep your body hydrated, it is recommended to drink every 20 minutes. Avoid coffee (and especially alcohol) as they will only dehydrate you. Not a fan of plain water? Then give your drink a flavour, for example with slices of lime or orange.
► 3. Check the humidity
Humidity has a big impact on how our bodies feel heat. Always try to keep humidity between 40 and 60%. If humidity rises in heat, our body will have a harder time getting rid of its heat. And we want to avoid that, of course.
► 4. Give your plants some attention
In hot weather, your plants need a little extra attention. For that loving care (and a good sip of water, of course), they also give something in return. This is because plants help regulate the indoor climate. So in addition to atmosphere and cosiness, plants also score well for air quality.
► 5. You are what you eat
Another tip on heat: adjust your diet. Avoid protein-rich meals, for example. These stimulate your body’s metabolism, making you feel hotter. Switch to fruit and vegetables as much as possible. An extra recommendation (for those who like it): go for spicy food. There are substances in chillies that make us sweat more, making us release our heat more efficiently. Bring on the curry!
► 6. Work in the shadows
Sunlight is not our best friend if we want to avoid rising temperatures. Best to blind everything with shutters or blinds. The less direct sunlight, the better. Also keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible – provided there is sufficient internal air circulation.
► 7. Get some air with fans
“A fan just blows warm air around, right?” you might think? True, but that shortcoming is easy to solve. All you need is a bowl of cold water (or better yet, ice cubes). Place such a bowl in front of the fan and the cool air can sweep through the room. As with an air conditioner, it is better not to direct this cold air flow at your face or neck. In the medium term, this can cause muscle pain.
► 8. Set the switch to off
Lamps and electronics inevitably give off heat. Therefore, switch off as many devices as possible. Is there enough natural light in the office? Then dim some lamps. Devices that you do not need all the time (printers, for example) are also best turned off.
► 9. The (fresh) clothes make the man
Choose clothes made of a light and breathable fabric that is nice and loose (as this allows the air under your clothes to circulate well). Think cotton or linen. Importantly, go for a light colour. Light colours reflect sunlight better while a dark colour – especially black – just absorbs the sun’s radiant heat. Finally, wear many layers that you can take off when it gets warmer throughout the day.
► 10. Work flexibly with the tropical schedule
Adjust your work schedule and consider working on a ‘tropical schedule’. This means that you start the day earlier: then it is often cooler and therefore more pleasant. If you start your working day earlier, you can of course go home earlier and enjoy the sun at home for longer.
An important note: always schedule your heaviest efforts in the morning. As the day progresses, it is best to slow down. Especially between 2pm and 4pm because that is when the outside temperature reaches its highest point.
What does the legislation say about heat in the workplace?
In the Netherlands, the health and safety legislation currently lacks concrete rules on a workplace that is too hot. However, the following limit values should be respected (but do not imply any obligations):
- In summer, the ideal temperature is between 23 and 26˚C.
- Temperatures above 26˚C involve extra physical strain and one should think about measures.
- For light physical office work, the maximum is 28˚C.
- For intensive physical work, a maximum of 26˚C applies. Provided there is a clearly perceptible air flow. Without palpable airflow, it should not be warmer than 25˚C.
- For very physically strenuous work, a maximum of 25˚C applies. Provided there is a palpable airflow. Otherwise, it should not be warmer than 23˚C.
Do you send sensitive products by post? Here's how to keep them cool!
Are your products sensitive to temperature fluctuations (e.g. food or medicines)? If so, pack them preferably in an isothermal box. The temperature inside such a box remains constant much longer, especially if you combine it with cooling elements. There are also special bags and bubble wrap (with a layer of aluminium) that guarantee fresher shipping. Sources:
www.arboportaal.nl/onderwerpen/warmte/vraag-en-antwoord/wat-is-te-warm
www.jobat.be/nl/art/te-warm-om-te-werken
www.groups.be/1_47527.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=nl
www.elle.be/nl/86505-10-tips-om-af-koelen-op-kantoor.html
blog.welcomeoffice.com/2015/06/lete-est-la-rafraichissez-vous/
