Too Hot to Work? What Irish Employers Need to Know About the Heatwave

With temperatures set to soar past 30°C this week, the Irish workforce is preparing for a rare and sweaty challenge: the heatwave commute, overheated home offices, and melting midday meetings. The heatwave on its way is coming to us straight from the Azores, bringing soaring temperatures and heat for which that the workforce in Ireland find themselves a little ill-prepared.  

In Ireland, there is no maximum safe working temperature specified by in health and safety legislation. Ireland’s temperate oceanic climate is not often rocked with maximums of temperature in either direction.  

While there is no maximum workplace temperature set out in Irish law, employers still have a duty of care under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to ensure the health and safety of employees in all weather conditions. Employers must assess risks associated with extreme temperatures and implement appropriate controls, especially for outdoor or manual work. 

This may include providing adequate hydration, adjusting working hours to avoid peak heat, and offering shaded or ventilated rest areas. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work also advises employers to watch for signs of heat stress and adjust workloads accordingly during heatwaves. 

Whether your team is on-site, remote, or working outdoors, it’s important to know and remind your team of the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what to do if they appear. 

Early signs of heat exhaustion include: 

1. Excessive sweating 

2. Headache 

3. Dizziness or confusion 

4. Pale, clammy skin 

5. Nausea or vomiting 

6. Muscle cramps 

7. Weakness or fainting 

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. 

Signs of heat stroke: 

1. Hot, dry skin (no sweating) 

2. High body temperature (above 40°C) 

3. Rapid heartbeat 

4. Confusion or loss of consciousness 

5. Seizures 

If someone shows signs of heat stroke, move them to a cool place, call emergency services, and try to cool them down with cold water or wet cloths. 

Some Ideas for Summer Time, When the Living Is (Not) Easy 

 

Remote Working 

When the heat is rising, avoiding a packed commute or a stuffy office can make a world of difference. Allowing employees to work from home during heatwaves gives them more control over their environment, helping them stay cool, comfortable, and productive.  

Of course, some employees might prefer to flee to their air-conditioned offices – in which case, welcome them in! 

Early Starts and Flexible Hours 

Shifting start times earlier in the day helps employees work during the cooler morning hours and avoid peak afternoon heat. Whether it’s a 7am–3pm schedule or simply flexible clock-in times, this small adjustment can have a big impact on focus and energy. 

Ice Cream Breaks and Summer Perks 

Sometimes, it’s the simple things. Offering ice cream breaks, cold drinks, or even extra-long lunch hours during a heatwave can lift spirits and show your team you’re thinking about their wellbeing. These gestures build goodwill and boost morale without breaking the bank. 

Relaxed Dress Codes 

Rigid office wear doesn’t suit 30-degree days. Encouraging weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing helps staff stay cool and feel more at ease, especially in offices without air conditioning. 

Be Understanding 

In every staff, there will be groups represented who might struggle more with the heat. Certain employees are more vulnerable to extreme heat, including older workers, pregnant employees, and those with chronic health conditions. It’s important to consult with them and make individual adjustments where needed. A flexible, person-first approach shows leadership that cares. As an employer, being understanding and willing to work to accommodate your employees during a heatwave is both reasonable and rewarding for both parties.  

Taking steps to protect your team in hot weather isn’t just good practice under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 – it’s also a chance to show your people that their comfort and wellbeing matter. A little consideration now can go a long way in keeping morale, productivity, and trust high. 

By taking practical steps, whether through flexible working arrangements, clear communication, or providing the right working environment, you create a safer, more comfortable workplace that helps your team stay productive and engaged even when the mercury climbs. And this isn’t just about weathering the heatwave - it’s about building a culture of wellbeing that boosts morale, retention, and business performance year-round. 

At SD Worx Ireland, we understand the challenges businesses face managing complex workforce needs, especially in changing conditions. Our payroll and HR solutions are designed to help you stay compliant with health and safety obligations while making people management simpler and more flexible.