Offices, Source: Kaercher summer heat has long been no exception to several days of July, but weeks are increasingly. High temperatures do not only affect comfort at home or outdoors, but also have a major impact on work performance. This is the most perceived by employees in offices where the temperature can easily climb over the acceptable limit. Decreasing concentration, fatigue, headaches or irritability are not laziness – but a natural reaction of the body to thermal load. While air -conditioned offices manage tropics better, many smaller companies or shared workplaces are still relying on natural ventilation or portable fans. And there is the risk that the productivity and health of employees will suffer the most. What will help when there are thirty outside and not much less inside? Temperature Limits: The law stands for employees
“According to Czech legislation, office work falls into the first class, ie among the physically undemanding activities performed predominantly by sitting. Government Decree No. 361/2007 Coll. Regime measures – for example, by shielding windows, ensuring ventilation, working hours or reducing physical stress, ”says Anna Kevorkyan, CEO of the Jenprace.cz working portal. Regular monitoring of temperature in the workplace is also an important part of working conditions. Although the law does not expressly mandate its permanent measurement, in the case of persistent high temperatures and any inspection by the Labor Inspectorate, temperature documentation may be crucial. The employer is responsible for the environment that the environment does not pose a health risk – so it is not only about comfort, but the fulfillment of the legal obligation to ensure safe and health -threatening working conditions. Water is not enough but is the foundation
At higher temperatures, the body naturally sweats, even without physical activity. This means not only water loss, but also minerals, especially magnesium and sodium. The Labor Code clearly stipulates that the employer is obliged to provide employees at the cost of the company so -called protective drinks. It is not a benefits, but a legal necessity. The drinking regime should be regular, not impact. It is best to drink in small doses – ideally about 150 ml every 20 minutes. Instead of ice drinks, which can paradoxically slow down and contribute to fatigue, it is recommended to water lukewarm to slightly cold. Mineral waters containing magnesium are also suitable, but beware of the high sodium content – it can burden blood pressure when receiving long -term intake. Fresh fruit and ice cream
In addition to the right drinking regime and refilling minerals, it also helps regularly include refreshing delicacies such as fresh fruit or ice cream. The fruit not only moisturizes, but thanks to the content of vitamins and natural sugars it can supply fast energy and improve mood. Sweet cool refreshment is a natural way to handle fatigue, but it is good to be careful about drinks with a high content of artificial sweeteners and preservatives that are often in industrial lemonades. On the contrary, these substances can cause irritation or increased fatigue, so it is better to reach for natural variants and align in moderation. Magnesium helps maintain performance and well -being
Magnesium plays an important role on hot days. It helps to relieve fatigue and exhaustion that comes with heat and lack of movement, promotes concentration and mental performance, and can prevent headaches or muscle spasms that often occur in long sitting in overheated areas. «The easiest form to refill the magnesium is to drink properly mineralized water during the day. There is no need to think about diet or tablets supplements – water will also cover the drinking regime and the need for this important mineral. And other minerals, ”says Jaroslav Žák from BWT. Pauses are not a whim, but high temperature protection leads to a decrease in cognitive abilities – the brain works more slowly, worsens the ability to decide and solve more complex tasks. In addition, the body overheats and without the possibility to cool down, fatigue comes much faster. Employees should follow regular short breaks in the heat – ideally every 45 to 60 minutes. Just get up from the table, walk, rinse your hands or sit down for a while. Short stretching not only relieves the body, but also helps to «restart» the brain. «This is not a waste of time for employers – a few -minute pause can significantly improve their work performance in the next hours. If employees stay long in overheated environment without movement and rest, sooner or later a decrease in performance, but also higher morbidity,» recommends Jan Dvořák from the computer school. Adjust the dress code when the weather asks for it in corporate environments where strict dressing rules apply, it is often forgotten that the body needs to breathe in the heat. Outflower, dark colors or unnecessary layers only retain heat. If the character of the company allows, it is advisable to slightly relax the rules of dressing light shirts, polo shirts, airy materials such as flax or cotton, or looser cuts can fundamentally contribute to the fact that employees can handle the working day without unnecessary overheating. What to do if there is no air conditioning? «In older buildings or smaller operations, central air conditioning is often not a matter of course. In such cases, a combination of several steps is recommended: to ventilate and cool the space overnight, pull blinds or blinds during the day and reduce direct sunlight. Air coolingers functioning on the principle of water evaporation. Summer heat in offices is not only a matter of comfort, but also health, safety and productivity. Whether you are an employee who perceives deteriorated working conditions or an employer who is responsible for the working environment, it is worth not to underestimate the hot months. Early and thoughtful steps – from drinking regime to magnesium to correct ventilation – can decide what work results the company actually achieves in the summer.
