Office Too Hot? Here Are Some Options For Overheating Workplaces

May 2nd, 2025

Last updated: May 2nd, 2025

Is your office too hot? When warm weather hits, it doesn’t mess around. And in offices up and down the country, it often means one thing, too much heat and not enough comfort. Unlike places where air conditioning is a given, many workplaces in Britain still seem to rely on hope, open windows, and the occasional desk fan. But when the temperature climbs, productivity often drops.

Office equipment can add to the problem and things like computers and servers can make heat build up, even when it isn’t massively hot outside.

Here’s a look at how to tackle the heat in the workplace and make it feel a bit more comfortable.

Bring in the Cool

The most obvious fix is air conditioning. It’s not always cheap, but it’s one of the most effective ways to cool down a space quickly. For newer office buildings, air con might already be built-in. For others, portable AC units can do the trick. They’re smaller, less invasive, and don’t need a full refit of the building’s infrastructure.

Some offices go with evaporative coolers, especially in spaces with good ventilation. They use water to cool air and blow it around the room. Not as powerful as full AC, but often cheaper and more energy efficient.

If you already have air conditioning units, maintenance is super important. It means that the unit is functioning at its full potential and actually cooling the room effectively.

Sort Out the Airflow

Good airflow makes a big difference. Even without air con, moving the air around can lower that heavy, stuffy feeling. Ceiling fans or standing fans keep things circulating. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed to take the edge off.

Cracking open a window seems like common sense. But it only helps if there’s a breeze or a way for the warm air to escape. Cross-ventilation is the goal, air in from one side, out from another. In offices where windows only tilt or barely open, it might be time to look at mechanical ventilation systems.

Block the Sun

Sunlight streaming through big glass windows can turn any room into a greenhouse. Installing blinds, curtains or even reflective window films can seriously cut down on heat gain. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it can even save on energy bills if there’s an AC system working behind the scenes.

Some offices also invest in UV-blocking coatings. They’re not obvious to the eye but reduce heat while still letting in natural light.

Rethink the Layout

Sometimes, just moving things around can help. Desks sitting directly in front of a sun-facing window? That’s a recipe for sweat. Relocating those spots to shadier areas, even temporarily during the summer months, can make a noticeable difference.

It’s also worth thinking about what equipment is generating heat. Computers and even lights give off warmth. Switch to energy-efficient lighting and make sure electronics aren’t crammed into corners where heat builds up.

Dress Code Adjustments

This one’s not about gadgets or gadgets. It’s about expectations. Many workplaces still follow fairly traditional dress codes. But on hot days, relaxing the rules can go a long way toward keeping people comfortable.

Smart-casual or lighter fabrics don’t mean lower standards. It just means workers aren’t melting at their desks while trying to look sharp.

Hydration and Breaks

Small changes make a difference too. Offering cold water or letting people take more frequent breaks can take the sting out of a heatwave. Simple stuff, but often overlooked.

Employers can also stagger shifts or allow remote working during extreme heat days. It helps manage the number of people in the building, which can lower internal temperatures too.

Long-Term Fixes

If the heat is a recurring issue, it might be time to think bigger. Roof insulation, better windows, or installing more advanced HVAC systems are all long-term investments. They’re not cheap, but they’re worth considering for offices that consistently struggle in warmer weather.

Even green roofs or shaded outdoor areas can help reduce the heat building up inside.

Office Too Hot – It’s Not Just About Comfort

It’s easy to joke about the heat, but in some cases, it’s more than just inconvenient. High temperatures can lead to headaches and loss of concentration. In severe cases, they can even trigger heat-related illnesses. The Health and Safety Executive in the UK doesn’t set a maximum working temperature, but employers still have a duty to ensure reasonable conditions.

So while a warm office might feel like a minor nuisance, it’s something worth addressing seriously.

Final Thoughts

Hot offices aren’t just uncomfortable, they can slow down the pace of everything. In the UK, where buildings often aren’t built for heat, it’s easy to get caught off guard by a stretch of warm weather. But with the right adjustments it’s possible to keep things cool and keep people focused.