How to Stay Cool This Summer?

How can you stay cool in the office this summer?

Optimize or upgrade office AC unit
Encourage hydrating diligently
Manage sunlight and heat in workspaces
Allow lightweight and breathable clothing
Adopt strategic short breaks

Overview

To stay cool and efficient, businesses should upgrade air conditioning systems for better cooling and energy efficiency.

Encouraging proper hydration with accessible water stations and reminders helps prevent dehydration-related health risks.

Strategic short breaks with cooling techniques, such as washing with cold water or stepping into shaded areas, further help employees stay refreshed and focused throughout the workday.

The month of May marks the start of the summer season in the Philippines, bringing rising mean temperatures of 28.3 degrees that can make office spaces uncomfortably warm. This intense heat and long work hours can affect productivity and leave employees feeling drained throughout the day.

Without proper cooling strategies, staying focused and efficient at work becomes a challenge. That’s why in this article, we’ll explore effective ways to stay cool this summer and beat the heat at work—from upgrading your air conditioning to adopting smarter workplace habits—so you can maintain comfort and productivity all season long.

Optimize or Upgrade the Office AC Unit

If your office AC struggles to keep temperatures down, it may be time for an upgrade or routine maintenance. An inefficient unit not only fails to provide adequate cooling but also consumes more energy, leading to higher electricity bills.

At F.R. Sevilla, the country’s leading HVAC contractor, we provide top-notch HVAC solutions tailored to your office’s needs. As the exclusive distributor of Hisense air conditioners, we offer high-quality, energy-efficient cooling solutions designed to meet the demands of modern office spaces.

Our expert team can assess your office’s cooling requirements and recommend the best solution—whether it’s an upgrade to a more efficient model, installing zoning systems for better airflow distribution, or integrating smart thermostats for precise temperature control.

Encourage Hydrating Diligently

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even serious health conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Additionally, studies in the Philippines have linked extreme heat to increased cases of dizziness, high blood pressure, and severe diarrhea, all of which are worsened by dehydration.

To counter these risks, businesses should promote hydration awareness and offer options beyond plain water, such as electrolyte drinks or fresh fruit-infused water to encourage better hydration habits.

Here are some strategies to help employees stay hydrated:

Provide hydration stations – Ensure water dispensers are easily accessible in break rooms and work areas.
Encourage water-rich foods – Offer snacks like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges in office pantries.
Limit diuretics – Educate employees about the dehydrating effects of excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Create reminders – Use office announcements or apps to prompt hydration breaks.
Recognize dehydration signs – Train employees to spot symptoms like dry mouth, dizziness, or dark urine and take action immediately.

Manage Sunlight and Heat in Workspaces

Direct sunlight streaming through office windows can significantly raise indoor temperatures, making the workspace uncomfortable and increasing reliance on air conditioning.

The good news is that there are various ways you can counter this, or at least manage them so it does not affect the employee’s work productivity and mood. For instance, if your office has a floor-to-ceiling window, you can try adopting blinds, curtains, or even UV-filtering window films to reduce heat build-up without sacrificing natural light.

If your office workstations are more flexible, you can try repositioning them away from direct sunlight like placing desks perpendicular to windows instead of directly in front of them. This helps minimize glare on computer screens and reduces heat exposure for employees.

Allow Lightweight and Breathable Clothing

When people think of summer clothing, sleeveless tops and shorts often come to mind. However, staying cool at work doesn’t have to mean breaking the office dress code. Many professional yet breathable clothing options can help employees stay comfortable while maintaining a polished look.

Choosing lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo blends allows for better air circulation, reducing the discomfort of heat and sweat. Light-colored clothing also helps reflect, rather than absorb, heat, keeping the body cooler throughout the day.

You can also make adjustments to the dress code to accommodate the summer heat while still ensuring professionalism. For example, companies can implement a “smart casual” dress policy during the hottest months, allowing for short-sleeved shirts, polo tops, and flowy skirts or slacks made from breathable materials.

Adopt Strategic Short Breaks

Sitting for long hours in a warm office can make employees feel sluggish, affecting their focus and overall efficiency. By stepping away from the desk for a few minutes, you allow your body to cool down, improve circulation, and refresh the mind.

Another great way to maximize these breaks is by incorporating cooling techniques—like washing hands and face with cold water, stepping into a shaded or air-conditioned area, or even using a cooling towel on the neck—to help regulate body temperature and provide instant relief.

Employers can also set up designated break areas with good ventilation and comfortable seating to encourage employees to take regular cooling breaks. By stepping away from heat sources like computer screens and office equipment, employees can avoid prolonged exposure to rising temperatures.

Key Takeaway

Staying comfortable and productive during the hot months requires a combination of smart workplace strategies. By implementing these measures, you and your team can stay cool this summer while maintaining peak efficiency at work.

For expert HVAC solutions, F.R. Sevilla is here to help. As the leading air conditioning contractor in the Philippines, we provide top-quality installation, maintenance, and system optimization to keep your office cool and energy-efficient. Contact us today to ensure your workplace stays comfortable all season long!