HOT UNDER THE WHITE COLLAR: UK WORKERS REACH BOILING POINT IN OVERHEATED OFFICES

UK offices are struggling to cope with rising temperatures, with new research revealing widespread discomfort, lost productivity and staff taking time off work due to excessive heat.

A survey of more than 1,000 UK office workers found that 86% have experienced workplaces becoming uncomfortably warm in summer, while over half (56%) said they do not think UK workplaces are prepared for increasingly warmer summers in the future.

Nearly all respondents (95%) said hot weather affects productivity, with workers reporting feeling sluggish, distracted and unable to concentrate. In more serious cases, 43% admitted they have taken time off work because their workplace was too hot or they felt unwell in the heat.

The findings come as the UK experiences record-breaking spring temperatures, with parts of London exceeding 35°C in May — a sign of what could become the norm in future summers.

For many, the threshold for discomfort is relatively low. Almost half (48%) said their workplace starts to feel too warm to work comfortably once the temperature hits between 22°C and 25°C, while 85% believed 22°C was already too hot to work comfortably.

Despite this, support from employers in finding solutions to the heat seems to be more reactive than proactive. Just 21% of workers said they had been allowed to work from home during periods of extreme heat, while fewer than one in five reported being allowed to leave early (19%) or having work hours adjusted (16%).

Instead, many workplaces rely on short-term fixes. Around half (51%) said their employer brings in fans or temporary cooling measures during hot spells, while others opted for opening windows (49%) or relaxing dress codes (38%) — measures that often do little when tackling a British heatwave.

Workers clearly want change. Two-thirds (67%) believe employers should take more proactive steps to manage heat in the workplace. When asked what would make the biggest difference, over a third (36%) pointed to improved air conditioning, followed by better ventilation (18%) and more flexible working arrangements (16%).

There is also strong support for clearer regulation. More than eight in ten (86%) want stronger guidance or legal protections to safeguard employees when workplace temperatures become excessive.

The research was commissioned by Climate Centre, the specialist cooling, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration division of Wolseley.

Dean Skerratt from Climate Centre said: “Britain has spent decades designing buildings to keep heat in, not out — and many workplaces are now struggling to cope.

“When people are tired, uncomfortable and unable to concentrate, it has a direct impact on productivity and wellbeing. This isn’t just about getting through a hot day — it’s about preparing workplaces for a future where extreme heat becomes more common.

“Businesses that invest now in effective climate control and smarter building design will be far better placed to protect their people and their performance.”