Warm weather should boost morale, not put employee health and productivity at risk. As UK summers get hotter, workplaces need to be proactive about staff comfort — especially when building design, airflow and equipment can create heat stress. While there’s no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, employers must provide a safe and reasonable working environment and address risks linked to high heat.
In this guide, we share practical strategies — including useful promotional product ideas — that help your team stay cool, comfortable and focused throughout the summer months.
When indoor temperatures rise, employees can struggle with heat stress, dehydration and fatigue. High temperatures affect concentration, decision‑making and overall productivity — and if workplaces don’t adapt, workers can suffer symptoms from dizziness to heat exhaustion.
UK health and safety guidance shows that employers should manage workplace temperature by improving ventilation, providing cooling aids, and allowing staff to modify clothing and break patterns to cope with heat.
Encouraging staff to stay hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to combat heat. Provide branded water bottles, tumblers and insulated bottles so employees have easy access to cool water throughout the day. Reusable bottles are eco‑friendly and offer repeated exposure for your brand beyond the office.
Why it matters: Staying hydrated supports concentration and reduces the risk of heat‑related health issues — and branded hydration gear keeps your logo in hand and on desk.
Good ventilation and airflow are key to thermal comfort. Where air‑conditioning isn’t available, fans and portable cooling products help reduce heat buildup. Consider:
According to health and safety guidance, providing fans and keeping air moving significantly eases thermal discomfort.
Some promotional products are both practical and cooling — perfect for summer workplace comfort:
These items don’t just help keep employees cool — they show you value their wellbeing and reinforce your brand every time they’re used.
Organisations such as the CIPD recommend flexible working arrangements during heatwaves — for example, allowing staff to start earlier or finish later, or to work from home where possible.
These changes help prevent burnout and ensure your team stays productive without overheating.
While traditional branded gifts (like pens and mugs) are nice, summer is a great time to give staff products that enhance comfort and show practical care. Try:
These aren’t just freebies — they become part of daily life and repeatedly expose your brand when used both at work and outside.
Preparing your workplace for summer heat is about people first. Employees who feel comfortable and supported are more engaged, safer and more productive. Combining practical environmental adjustments with thoughtful, useful branded products shows your commitment to employee wellbeing — and helps your brand stay visible in a positive way throughout the season.
Get in touch with the Total Branded team or request a quote today to find summer‑friendly promotional products that keep your workforce cool, comfortable and connected to your brand.
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