No work due to heat in the office: Sweating is not necessary

by Pramith

Even though it can be challenging to concentrate in the middle of summer, there are only certain conditions under which you can leave work early due to heat. We will inform you whether your boss must allow you to leave work early when temperatures are high.

An absolute special case: time off work due to heat

Working can sometimes be difficult in the height of summer. This is not only because the sun is tempting you outside, but also because it quickly becomes impossible to concentrate. Are you entitled to time off work due to heat on such hot days?

  • The Workplace Ordinance recommends that the perceived temperature in the room should not exceed 26 degrees Celsius.

  • When the room temperature reaches 30 degrees Celsius, the employer is obliged to provide cooling. This can be done, for example, with air conditioning, cool water, fans, and more.

  • If the room temperature rises to 35 degrees, your boss must move work to a cooler room. If this is not possible and there are no alternatives to cool down the workrooms, then you are actually entitled to time off work due to the heat.

  • However, this only applies if the room temperature in the workrooms actually reaches 35 degrees Celsius. If it would theoretically be cooler again by 4 p.m. and this is still within your working hours, you must return to your desk.

  • It is important under all circumstances that you and your colleagues do not take time off work on your own initiative – this could even lead to a warning. Talk to your employer and point out the room temperature to them in order to find a solution.

  • Flexible working hours are also a popular solution. This allows you to start work in the cool morning hours and have the hot afternoon off.

Working in hot weather: These are the exceptions

Unfortunately, it is the exception rather than the rule that employees are actually given time off work in hot weather. However, occupational health and safety regulations also stipulate that certain people should not be exposed to heat.

  • In the case of pregnant women or employees who suffer from circulatory problems, the boss must take action if the room temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius.

  • If measures such as cool drinks and a fan are not sufficient, employees whose health is at risk are given time off work.

Tips for beating the heat at work

If the temperatures are not high enough to warrant time off work, there are a few tricks you can use to cool down.

  • Ventilate your office thoroughly in the early morning. However, as soon as the temperatures outside rise, you should not leave the windows open all the time.

  • As soon as the sun hits a window, lower the blinds or draw the curtains immediately. This will keep the room significantly cooler.

  • Place a wet towel over a fan in the office. This will not only circulate the air, but also cool it down.

  • You can also hang a damp towel over your head or shoulders.

  • A cooling massage is a helpful home remedy for headaches in summer. Dip your fingers briefly in water and then massage your head with your fingertips.

  • Do you need a cold pack to bring your body back to a more comfortable temperature? Then simply fill a hot water bottle with cold water or put gel packs in the refrigerator at work.

Legal regulations for working from home

Anyone working from home during the summer months should be aware of the legal regulations.

  • Unlike in an office, employers are not obliged to take protective measures.

  • A permanent teleworking workplace is set up by the employer and should therefore comply with all legal regulations. This primarily includes equipment such as an office chair and a monitor.

  • A distinction is made between teleworking workstations set up by the employer, ordinary home offices, where usually only a laptop is provided, and mobile working, where the employee works independently of location.

  • Workplace regulations generally only apply to permanently set up teleworking workstations. However, the room temperature is outside the employer’s area of responsibility.

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