While this summer doesn't yet look as though it's going to be a record-breaker like that of 2018, much of the country has been enjoying hot, sunny days with plenty more forecast over the coming weeks. As an employer, what responsibilities do you have for your staff in warm weather and should you be making any adjustments to their workwear to keep them comfortable?
Adapting Staff Dress Codes for Warmer Weather
Depending on the nature of your business, you might want to relax dress codes during heatwaves. Of course, what this actually means will vary dramatically between industries and businesses. If you employ staff who work in an office environment and are expected to wear a suit and tie every day, you might allow them to leave their ties off during hot spells. If, however, you have employees who, for health and safety reasons, must wear certain grades of protective gear, it can be more difficult to make allowances for the hot weather.
Don't Forget the Dangers of the Sun
While many people's main concern during hot weather is staying cool, it's important to remember that outdoor workers are exposed to a lot more of the sun's harmful rays than indoor workers. You should encourage staff to cover up with lightweight clothing to protect their skin from the sun on hot days, and you might want to provide sunscreen if you have workers who are outdoors for long periods of time without shade.
While it might not be possible to relax the workwear requirements of certain staff during a heatwave, you should ensure that they can take frequent breaks and that outdoor workers have a shaded area to escape from the sun. You might also want to ensure a steady supply of cold drinks to help staff remain hydrated as temperatures rise.