18 July 2025 Coffee Time

How to Stay Cool in the Office During the Heatwave

As temperatures soar during this Summer’s heatwave, working in the office can become uncomfortable and challenging. High heat can affect concentration, energy levels and make the work environment feel unbearable. But don’t worry, there are several ways to stay cool, comfortable and productive. Here

1. Optimise Your Environment

The first step to staying cool is controlling your surroundings. A few tweaks to your office setup can make all the difference.

Position fans strategically: Rather than having a fan blow directly at you, place it near an open window. If the air is cooler outside, then place the fan so it is blowing the cooler air inside. If the air outside is warmer, place the fan so it is blowing warm air out the window.
Use air conditioning wisely: If your office has air conditioning, set it to a temperature that is comfortable, not freezing. Aim for around 21℃. Too cold can be just as distracting as too hot!
Close blinds or curtains: Sunlight coming through windows can dramatically raise indoor temperatures. By closing blinds or using blackout curtains, you can keep direct sunlight from overheating the room.
Install heat-reflective window film: If you’re in a position to make changes to the office, heat-reflective window film is a great investment. It reduces solar heat gain, keeps temperatures cooler and reduces energy bills.

2. Stay Hydrated

It may sound like an obvious one, but dehydration is one of the main concerns during a heatwave. But you don’t need to stick to water all day; there are lots of ways to stay hydrated and mix up your drinks.

Swap hot drinks for iced: Coffee is an office must-have, no matter the temperature. Consider using your office coffee machines to create an iced coffee. You can also add flavoured coffee syrup to make it even tastier.
Infuse your water for extra refreshment: You should drink around 2 - 3 litres of water each day. To make it a bit more interesting, you can add fruit syrup flavours like watermelon, lemon or lime.
Replenish electrolytes: When you sweat more, you lose essential minerals like sodium and potassium. Drinking electrolyte-rich beverages such as sports drinks will help keep you replenished. Coconut water is also a natural source of electrolytes that you can try.

3. Dress for Function & Comfort

Summer clothes are great, but they aren’t always a viable option for the office. Here are some tips on dressing smartly whilst staying cool.

Opt for light, breathable fabrics: Cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials are ideal for hot weather. These fabrics allow air to circulate and absorb sweat, helping to keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Go for layering: If the air conditioning is on, bring a light jacket or sweater to keep yourself warm in chilly areas without overheating when outside. Layers can help you adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
Wear comfortable footwear: Shoes that are breathable and offer comfort are essential. Avoid tight shoes and opt for open-toed sandals (if appropriate for your office dress code) or lightweight shoes.

4. Use Natural Cooling Methods

While fans and AC are helpful, sometimes the best cooling methods are completely natural.

Cool your pulse points: Cooling down your wrist, neck, and behind the knees can help lower your body temperature quickly. You can apply a cold, damp cloth to these areas or use a cooling gel.
Try cold compresses: Keep a towel in the fridge or freezer and use it to wipe your face or neck. This simple trick can provide immediate relief from the heat.
Breathe cool air: Try breathing deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you calm. If possible, step outside to enjoy cooler air or a shaded area during breaks.

5. Adapt Your Work Habits

Heatwaves can make it harder to focus on your tasks, but with the right approach, you can keep your productivity high.

Take short breaks: When it’s hot, it’s crucial to take frequent breaks to prevent feeling sluggish or overwhelmed. Try the 25-5 rule: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to stretch, hydrate, or cool off.
Prioritise tasks: In the heat, focus on your most critical tasks early in the day, when you’re likely to feel more energised. As the temperature rises, work on less demanding tasks.
Minimise screen time: Computers and devices generate heat, adding to the discomfort. If possible, switch to using paper or read printed materials to give your devices a break.

6. Create a Relaxed Office Culture

A heatwave doesn’t have to negatively affect your whole office environment. In fact, creating a cooler, more relaxed atmosphere can boost morale and team performance.

Embrace flexible hours: If possible, adjust work hours to take advantage of cooler parts of the day. Arriving earlier or leaving later can help employees avoid working during peak heat hours.
Encourage outdoor breaks: Take your lunch breaks or short walks outside to get fresh air. Moving outside the office space can provide a mental and physical break from the heat.
Incorporate relaxation techniques: Heat can make everyone feel a bit on edge, so it’s a great time to introduce mindfulness or relaxation exercises. A short 5-minute meditation can do wonders for calming nerves and refocusing.

7. Consider Office Wellness Initiatives

As there are set to be more heatwaves coming for the UK this year, it’s worth considering office-wide strategies to improve comfort long term.

Invest in portable air conditioners or fans: If your office doesn’t have central AC, consider investing in portable air conditioners or fans that employees can move around to different spots.
Provide cooling products: Offer cooling sprays, ice packs, or personal fans to your team. These small additions can have a big impact on overall comfort. Cold drink options and energy syrups are also great additions to beat the midday heat slump.
Upgrade office insulation: Long-term, upgrading the insulation and ventilation in your office building can help maintain a cooler environment year-round. This could be a significant investment, but one worth considering to prepare for future heatwaves.

A heatwave in the office doesn’t have to be a productivity killer. By optimising your work environment, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and incorporating natural cooling methods, you can stay cool and focused despite the rising temperatures. And don’t forget about the power of your office coffee machine - cool, refreshing iced coffee can be the perfect way to take a break while staying refreshed.

By taking proactive steps, you’ll not only stay cool during a heatwave, but you’ll ensure that you and your colleagues continue to perform at your best. Contact Office Coffee today to see how we can help create a better office environment.