Why should you care about summer heat as a business owner?
Helping employees to stay fit in the summer heat will be harder than ever. CBC News is predicting that the 2024 summer will be the hottest. There is a lot of climate change happening, and heat waves will hit in July and August as usual.
Why should you care about this as a business owner and how will summer heat impact your business?
Heat waves will have a direct and intense impact on your employees’ well-being and health. High temperatures also affect employees’ productivity, work efficiency, concentration, and decision-making ability.
A report by Reuters published in August 2023 states that various small businesses in the U.S. were closed early in July due to record-breaking heat.
This year (2024), the temperature may be even higher, especially in the Southwest. That means you must take precautions to protect your business and employees from the incoming summer heat.
In this blog, I have described 5 proven methods you can implement as an employer to help your employees stay fit and active this summer.
5 Cool Ways to Help Employees Stay Fit and Healthy in Summer Heat 2024
First of all, it depends on whether you have a remote team or a physical team. For those with a remote team, you have to provide different measures; for the physical/on-site team, your heat prevention methods would be different. The typical office has air conditioning but so many trades and positions require work to be done in an uncomfortable environment that we need to address it. Don’t forget the occasional brown out of electrical supply or equipment malfunctions.
I will describe the methods that you can use in both cases.
1. Reduce workloads in peak heat hours.
The hottest hours of the day, typically between 11 AM and 4 PM, can be incredibly taxing on employees. During these hours, the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke increases significantly. To mitigate these risks, consider reducing workloads temporarily. This could involve starting the workday earlier or later, allowing for a longer midday break, or rotating shifts so that employees have less exposure to the high temperature.
This measurement also enhances productivity. When employees are less stressed and physically strained by extreme heat, they can perform their tasks more efficiently and with greater focus.
2. Allow your employees to get short get-cool and hydrated breaks.
Regular breaks are essential for maintaining health and productivity, especially during hot weather. Encourage your employees to take short, frequent breaks to cool down and stay hydrated.
If your team is mostly on-site, then provide easy access to cool water and encourage employees to drink regularly to prevent dehydration, which can impair cognitive and physical performance. Setting up cool-down zones in the workplace can be an effective strategy. These zones should be shaded, well-ventilated, and equipped with fans or air conditioning. Providing access to electrolyte drinks can also help replenish essential minerals lost through sweating and show you care for their well-being.
This same measurement applies to remote teams as well. Don’t micromanage them but allow them to get the work done at more comfortable times of the day if possible. Do not arrange online meetings during peak heat hours (11 AM to 4 PM especially). Encourage them to take breaks and get regular naps if they are working from a hot location.
Please acknowledge that working during peak summer heat is not the same as working during other months. When you take care of your employees in hard times, they will return the favor in their easy times.
3. Create a heat safety plan.
If it’s not written, it’s not official. Just like you have a health plan or wealth investment plan, your company must have a heat safety plan. This plan should outline specific procedures and protocols to protect your workforce from the dangers of extreme heat. You can also mention workloads and working hours.
Establish a clear protocol for monitoring weather conditions and communicating heat advisories to your team. Ensure that all employees are aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and know the steps to take if they or a coworker experience these symptoms. The plan should specify the locations of cool-down zones and hydration stations, as well as the availability or requirements of personal protective equipment (PPE) like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Keep your plan as detailed and comprehensive as possible. It will increase the trust and loyalty of your employees in the company while keeping them safe.
4. Educate your employees to stay fit with heat precautions.
Educate your employees about the impacts of heat on their health.
- Remind them of the importance of staying hydrated and drinking water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Encourage a water tracking sheet of app reminders to keep them aware of their intake daily.
- Advise employees to wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help regulate their body temperature. Light-colored fabrics that reflect sunlight rather than absorb it are particularly effective. For those working outdoors, wide-brimmed hats and wearing UV-protective sunglasses often, can offer additional protection.
- The diet also plays a role in managing heat. Encourage employees to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than large, heavy ones. Lighter meals are easier to digest and can help prevent the sluggishness and discomfort that often accompany heavy eating in hot weather. Foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables, can also aid in hydration.
5. Gift a summer wellness kit to your employees to stay fit.
A gift in any season is great, but giving your employees a wellness kit in summer has its perks. It is a thoughtful and practical way to show your commitment to their health and well-being. It also sends the message that you are looking out for their health as part of your company culture.
Here is what you can include in your summer wellness kit:
- A high-quality, reusable water bottle (BPA and phthalate free of course) that employees can refill throughout the day. Use the opportunity to have them laser engraved or printed with your company logo or name. If you can, add a selection of electrolyte packets or tablets. I can share a healthy option if you need a suggestion.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF rating is they are exposed for long hours to the sun, lip balm for protection, and sunglasses that offer full UV coverage will help them to avoid getting burned. Since sunscreens are very toxic, message me for healthy alternative products to suggest or supply. Those working outdoors should use a wide-brimmed hat to provide additional protection from the sun’s hot rays.
- Cooling items, like towels. Personal fans, whether handheld or battery-operated.
- Wellness items that promote overall health can further enhance the kits. This might include healthy snacks like clean protein bars or nuts, which provide a nutritious energy boost without the heaviness of larger meals. Including a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and antiseptic wipes is also a practical addition.
Hair Analysis and helping employees stay fit?
When you use a Hair Mineral Analysis as part of your health plan available to employees they will be aware of deficiencies including the major electrolytes. This can help them during work or if they are exercising to maintain safe levels to avoid a health incident. When they know they have low sodium or potassium storage they will be mindful and take precautions saving incredible amounts of medical payouts for both them and your company.
Avoid letting your employees burn in the summer heat.
Your employees face challenges in the summer heat, and you have to consider this. The middle months of the year are very important for your business, and you can’t afford stress and unproductivity. A painful sunburn, heat stroke or exhaustion, medical issues due to excessive heat stress, and feeling miserable can cut down your productivity.
Your little efforts can save your company many forms of loss and help to maintain your employees’ health status.
If you are confused about planning what to do and how to implement it successfully, I can help you figure it out. LET’S CHAT!
Further Studies and Readings;
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/04/22/summer-forecast-united-states-hot/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maps-extreme-summer-heat-us-forecast/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9466955/
Copyright Scientific Nutrition, LLC 2024
