Hot weather advice for workplaces
The value of staying safe in extreme heat
Staying safe in extreme heat protects employee health by preventing dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
It helps maintain energy and focus, supports independence, and reduces the risk of complications for people with disabilities or health conditions.
Keeping cool and hydrated also improves employee wellbeing, mood, and comfort, while reducing the need for emergency support from carers or health services.
Key benefits for employers
- Protects staff health and wellbeing – helps prevent heat-related illness and keeps employees safe during hot weather
- Promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) – ensures disabled employees receive accessible information and reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
- Reduces absence and disruption – supports staff to stay well and reduces sickness absence during heatwaves
- Improves staff morale and engagement – shows employees that their health and comfort are valued, creating a more positive workplace culture
- Meets health and safety responsibilities – supports compliance with HSE guidance on maintaining safe working conditions in extreme heat
- Demonstrates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – shows leadership on climate adaptation, staff welfare and inclusion
- Enhances organisational reputation – being proactive about staff wellbeing strengthens trust with employees, partners and the wider community
Page last reviewed: 18th December 2025