Rising summer temperatures are having a measurable impact on workplace efficiency across the UK, with 61% of office workers reporting reduced productivity during hotter months. This is according to a 2025 survey by the Global Payroll Alliance (GPA), which explored how heat affects performance and wellbeing in office environments.
The survey revealed that of those affected, 19% lose less than 15 minutes of productive work daily, 25% lose between 15 and 30 minutes, 30% lose between 30 and 60 minutes, and 27% report losing over an hour each day. These figures illustrate the extent to which summer heat is disrupting work routines.
The most frequently cited reasons for decreased productivity include fatigue and sluggishness, reported by 25% of respondents. Another 18% pointed to uncomfortable office temperatures and difficulty concentrating. Excessive sweating and general discomfort were reported by 15%, while 14% blamed poor air quality or inadequate ventilation. A further 10% identified dehydration or headaches as key issues.
Despite these widespread concerns, only 49% of employees said their workplaces take steps to mitigate the effects of hot weather. Common employer responses include providing fans, enhancing ventilation, or offering flexible working hours. However, 83% of those surveyed believe employers should be doing more to address rising temperatures as a serious workplace issue.
Melanie Pizzey, CEO and founder of the Global Payroll Alliance, said: “Working in the heat is never pleasant, but it’s something we’ve all come to expect during the summer months. However, as our summers continue to get hotter, this is a very real concern that many employers need to take more seriously. The UK is ill-equipped to deal with the heat, and with temperatures only expected to keep rising over the coming years, now is the time to make changes to ensure a happy and productive workforce. The failure to do so could have some very real repercussions, particularly for staff handling vital tasks such as payroll. Mistakes made due to dehydration, sluggishness, and the effects of heat in the workplace could prove very costly, not to mention they could undermine productivity in the long term.”
The findings are consistent with recent climate data. The UK Met Office reported that 2024 was among the warmest years recorded, with heatwaves occurring more frequently and with greater intensity. Climate projections suggest this trend is likely to continue, further challenging workspaces that lack adequate infrastructure for high temperatures. Many UK offices were not designed to handle prolonged heat and remain without air conditioning or modern ventilation.
To help manage the effects of heat in the workplace, some companies are beginning to adopt practical changes. These include installing cooling systems, offering hydration stations, and allowing staff to work flexible hours to avoid peak heat times. Others have relaxed dress codes to improve employee comfort.
The GPA survey signals the need for a more proactive response from employers. As warmer summers become a recurring pattern, the pressure to maintain comfortable and productive working environments is increasing. Businesses that fail to adapt may see long-term consequences in the form of reduced output, lower staff morale, and costly errors in precision-based roles such as payroll and data handling.
