Expert advice to create a safe working environment during a heatwave, especially when it comes to water access.
With the UK bracing for a potential 37°C heatwave this August, it’s not just our ice creams that are melting, offices are feeling the heat too. And the global drinking water experts at Culligan have revealed new insights on an overlooked workplace essential: safe, clean drinking water.
Whilst there’s no specific ‘law’ for maximum temperature guidelines in the office, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a minimum of 16°C for normal work, and 13°C if the work is physically demanding. So it’s crucial that employers stick to health and safety at work law, including keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, providing fresh air, and ensuring access to drinking water.
And workers are taking their hydration into their own hands, as Culligan’s latest research reveals that over half of Brits (52%) now take a reusable water bottle to work. With the average bottle holding 749.7ml, the research found that most workers refill them an average of three times a day, topping up to a refreshing 2.25 litres–which is within the recommended range of 2-2.5 litres.
Surprisingly, 62% of workers say they don’t set daily hydration goals, yet they’re still hitting their recommended intake without realising it.
But for those not hitting their water goals, this can have real consequences on their working day. The importance of staying hydrated is something that can often be overlooked–especially when you’re heads down in a work task–yet with approximately 70% of our body composed of water, nearly every bodily function we have is dependent on a solid intake of H2O.
In fact, research shows that a mere 1% drop in our hydration levels can lead to a 5% decline in cognitive function, with a further 2% reduction in brain hydration resulting in short-term memory loss, and difficulties with mathematical tasks.
As such, it’s vital for employees to stay hydrated when working in challenging conditions, and is equally important for employers to provide a suitable working environment.
Discussing the impacts a heatwave can have on office employees, and what employers should do to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment, Culligan spoke with Simon Phillips, Business Transformation Expert, Keynote Speaker and Host of The Change Show:
“The brain basically becomes a bit rubbish when it’s too hot!” says Simon about the effects of dehydration. “In office environments, that might mean poor decisions or missed deadlines. In manufacturing, construction, or anywhere with machinery? We’re talking potential accidents, injuries, even fatalities. In short, performance generally drops off a cliff when body temperatures rise even slightly.
When discussing access to water, Simon says this is a non-negotiable: “Every single workplace should provide clean, safe drinking water. This isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a fundamental human need and basic duty of care as dehydration affects everything, from decision-making to mood and on to physical performance.
“I’ve worked with companies who thought a single water cooler for 50 people was adequate. It’s not. People need easy access throughout the day, especially when it’s hot.
“As an employer, looking after your people during hot weather isn’t just about avoiding legal issues or maintaining productivity (though it does both). It’s about basic human decency and creating the kind of workplace where people can actually thrive, whatever the weather throws at them”.
Simon also shared information on The LACE Way, something that employers can often overlook, but should consider during potentially difficult working conditions such as a heatwave:
Listening:
“Are you actually hearing when people say they’re struggling with heat? Or dismissing it as moaning”.
Accountability:
“Taking responsibility for creating safe, comfortable working conditions isn’t optional”.
Collaboration:
“Work with your teams to find solutions. They know what they need”.
Empathy:
“Understanding that heat affects people differently, and what might be fine for you could be genuinely debilitating for someone else”.
FAQs
There’s no specific ‘law’ for maximum temperature guidelines in the office.
Keep the temperature at a comfortable level by providing fresh air, ensuring access to drinking water and closing the blinds to keep sunlight out of the room.
There’s a minimum temperature but not a maximum temperature where you can legally refuse to work. It’s vital for employees to stay hydrated when working in challenging conditions, and is equally important for employers to provide a suitable working environment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a minimum of 16°C for normal work, and 13°C if the work is physically demanding. There’s no law for maximum temperature in the office.
Beat the heatwave
Keep your workplace hydrated with Culligan water solutions.
With decades of global expertise in safe, clean drinking water, Culligan is uniquely positioned to help businesses keep their teams healthy, focused, and productive during extreme heat.
From advanced water filtration systems to convenient workplace hydration solutions, Culligan empowers employers to meet their duty of care and create a thriving work environment—no matter how high the temperature climbs. Speak with our team of experts to find out more.
Read more from the refill mindset report here