Staying cool in a heatwave when remote working
Photo by Lucas Sankey on Unsplash
This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on 20th July 2022.
Being based in Zaragoza, Spain, where temperatures can reach 40 plus degrees Celsius (over 100 Fahrenheit) during July and August, I know about working in hot temperatures. This year, in June, due to global warming and climate change we have already soaring temperatures, which are breaking local records. Keep reading to learn how to stay cool whilst remote working in a heat wave with my top tips >>
Safety first with technical equipment - Remote and knowledge workers use technological devices to do their work. Expose these devices to extreme heat and they do not function well, overheating and needing rest. A bit like us humans in extreme temperatures! Take notice of the hot track pads, mobiles and pulsing screens from your equipment, both from a safety and rest point of view. Powering down devices for rest periods or moving to cooler locations to locate your devices and work from.
Be kind to yourself and others - often tempers can be short and agitation can be easy during hot temperatures as we feel uncomfortable, tired and often experience a lack of sleep, remember this and be kind to yourself and others.
Avoid working from your laptop, on your lap! - locate devices where they won't be uncomfortable for you and/or overheat.
Embrace a flexible and non-linear workday - adjust your routine to work during the cooler hours of the day, where possible and take breaks during the warmer periods. Siesta anyone?? I tend to work early morning and early evening in these periods of extreme temperatures...
Cold water is extra refreshing - from drinking lots, spritzing it on your face, showering and visiting a local pool for a dip, all reduce our body temperature and freshen us up quickly.
Switch to pen and paper based work - try turning off your devices and doing paper-based work for time periods, again, giving technology (and you!) a well-needed rest and chance to cool down’
Wear light clothes, materials and footwear - also try using cold or wet material to cool down further. I sometimes place a frozen towel on my neck or a damp washcloth on my face to keep cool...
Place your workstation near ventilation - look for windows, fans and airy places to locate yourself. Can you work from a terrace or garden? Try moving around to try out different locations! (hint: maybe a local cafe is a cooler location to work from?)
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day - ensure your "office mates"; plants, animals and any other co-workers are well hydrated also!
Consume cool food and drinks - try cold fruit juices, smoothies, cold soups (gazpacho anyone?!), fresh fruit ice-lollies or I love healthy strawberry kefir ice cubes to suck on!
Avoid direct sunlight - use shutters, curtains and blinds to block direct rays that may heat up your work environment.
Spray your face with water - I keep a small spray bottle of water in the fridge for refreshing cool water spritz's.
Be aware of the heat and don't overwork - avoid sitting for extended periods in front of hot devices and screens, work smarter by taking MORE frequent breaks to cool down and rest, and return refreshed to your machine when you are ready.
Leaders and employers try to stay cool too - be empathic and understanding during this time, supporting your team with practical support, breaks and compassion where you can. Reminder: a overheated worker is of no use to anyone, so trust your workers and let them rest and recuperate when they need to.
Final Note: Remember our planet is overheating! - practice #environmentalawareness where you can and avoid using AC for extended periods of time to try to be kind to our planet.
Take care and stay safe 💚 during these sweaty and uncomfortable times.
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This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on 20th July 2022.