How to talk to your boss about working in a heatwave

With temperatures expected to exceed 38°C, the UK officially feels like it is melting.

But that doesn’t mean your relationship with your boss has to as well.

So far this week, schools, buses and trains have all been majorly impacted by an unexpected heatwave.

Even Greggs announced that it will close 11 of its stores today and tomorrow due to the extreme heat.

Workers across the nation are all concerned about how these hot conditions will affect their work life.

So, to find out how you should discuss heatwave adjustments with your boss, Metro has pooled together your worker rights and what employers are expected to provide.

Follow the latest on the UK heatwave in our live blog

Knowing your rights

There is no legal maximum working temperature in the UK at present.

Employers are, however, legally required to provide a safe environment that is well-ventilated and has a ‘reasonable’ temperature.

For pregnant, menopausal, or disabled employees, there may be stronger grounds for adjusted working as a result of the heat.

But even if you don’t fall into one of these categories, if your office lacks proper air conditioning or you believe that your work day will be unfairly impacted, there are still several avenues to explore.

Drafting a request

One solution to combat this heatwave is to suggest working earlier or later to avoid a crowded commute or travel during the hottest part of the day.

Alternatively, you can ask your boss to temporarily work from home if your office does not provide a ‘reasonable’ environment to work in.

If you are still required to come into the office, you still have some other options to consider.

Environmental adjustments like working away from direct sunlight or using a desk fan and closing the blinds can provide major relief from the heat.

But with any request made to your employer, the focus should be on maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

Once you ensure that is the main focus, reasonable adjustments can then be made.

What are employers expected to provide?

In adherence to the Health and Safety Executive, employers are expected to provide a certain level of care.

One of these conditions is to provide enough fresh drinking water and to allow flexibility around work attire.

In addition, according to what your line of work might be, sufficient break periods should be allowed to help you cool down.

Neha Thethi, Head of Employment at Lime Solicitors, has said that employers must not neglect their health and safety responsibilities as temperatures soar, even though remote and hybrid working is more common now.