Summer in the City and it's hot at work

What to wear at work?

The weather is hot at last and here we are.  We don't all have a great summer wear wardrobe.  What should you expect from your staff?  A lot depends on what you do and whether you have airconditioning. 

1. Formal suits?  If your dress code is normally formal you will need an emergency plan.  Consider letting everyone take off their ties and jackets but having emergency ties and jackets (theirs not yours) available in case a client drops by.
2. Flipflops or sandals? Many people climb into these as soon as the temperature climbs.   There is the world of difference between perfectly manicured toes and cracked heels and hairy toes.  Is it safe to wear open- toed shoes in your worplace?  If you are going for professional dress  remember to be fair between men and women.  We all feel the heat!.
3. Revealing clothes? Keeping cool doesn't have to mean letting it all hang out (beautiful or not).  Loose clothes can be cooler than tight fitting strappy tops.  Consider what people need to do at work - with customers and colleagues.  Here's what a University Lecturer said recently  “I often work closely with my students at the computer desk, moving the mouse to show them where to click.  When they come to class half naked, I worry that I will be accused of sexual harassment if I get too close to them, or look down at the wrong moment.  I feel sexually harassed by what these young women wear”.
4. Shorts  Swedish bus drivers recently reported to work in skirts, having been told they couldn't wear shorts.   Equality policies can cause chaos when it comes to hot weather.  And, the new generation of knee length tailored shorts can look very smart with a jacket and the right shoes (on the right body shape).  Don't make decisions about what gender wears what - stick to the business effect you are trying to have.  
5. Uniforms  If your uniforms are not designed for summer, at these temperatures you are going to have to review whether you can relax the uniform code.  Whilst it is important that staff dress appropriately, the first concern is their safety in the heat.

Sensitive moments

1. Deodorants and anti-perspirants. Some people are not that fragrant at the best of times and the daily commute in a heatwave is hardly going to help.  A few people have objections to anti perspirants believing they cause health problems.   Another tiny minority have health problems that cause them to smell more strongly than most.   If one individual stands out, consider whether their working environment is hotter than others (and whether you can change that).  If you need to have a quiet word make sure you do so in private, discreetly and start the conversation with "I notice you are very hot and bothered..is there anything we can do to help you feel fresher at work."
2. Perfumes and aftershaves.   It is so tempting to slap on the smellies to avoid smelling of sweat - but we can go too far.  Asthma and allergies are often triggered by the chemicals in strong perfumes and in hot conditions this can be extremely difficult when sharing workspace.  Can people start earlier in the morning or work in the evenings?  It can take the heat out of the commute and can also help working parents with childcare.  Remember if you have shift workers that they may have trouble sleeping during the day if the weather is hot.
3. Overweight staff or pregnant?  Rapid weight gain can mean that nothing from last year fits.  Depending on how much money people have they may not always be in a position to buy a whole new summer outfit in the right size.  One or two outfits going through the wash frequently is better than a whole range of clothes that are just too tight.  Be tactful if you need to approach this.  Do not do what one boss did - take a photo of them from behind and send it to their phone saying "Do you know how big your bum looks in this outfit?" 
4. Religious considerations  Some individuals are extremely uncomfortable around the female (even male) body in display.  They may have dress codes that are more severe than the workplace code.  Whilst they may wear what feels appropriate to them (within your own workplace dress code) they are not entitled to impose their personal codes on their workmates.  That said, it may be easier to move people around (where this can be done) rather than have people working in the same small space and feeling uncomfortable. 
5. Uniform and dress codes You may need to make a quick 'hot weather dress code' to circulate.  There is a balance between comfort and business wear and it does change when the weather is hot for all but the most hardcore formal firms (and let's hope they have air conditioning).

Using freelancers and self employed contractors?

If you are using freelance workers or even 'self employed contractors' they may be 'workers'  and you are responsible for their health and safety.  Don't forget to include them in your thinking and your planning.