Dress Codes - Are they necessary during a Heatwave?
As the UK braces itself for its fifth heatwave of the year, with possible temperatures of 36C, it’s important to note the impact this extreme weather has had on industries where a dress code is the norm. The focus for the purpose of this blog is the property sector, but it applies to paramedics, the fire service, people working in construction, police officers, barristers, refuse collectors - the list could go on and on. In short, the UK is not used to extreme weather conditions and the heatwaves this year have proven that fact.
Letting and estate agency remains a client-facing profession, and appearance has always been high on the agenda. If you use the bathroom facilities in a letting agency it will come as no surprise to find deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash neatly set out because an important part of an agent’s job is maintaining public confidence. Imagine being faced with an estate agent who arrives at an appointment to value a property smelling of alcohol and with a jacket stained with part of their lunch!
And whilst agents take pride in the way they present themselves, during a heatwave, rigid dress codes requiring suits, jackets, ties, a barrister’s wig or heavy uniforms may create avoidable health, wellbeing and operational risks.
There is no statutory maximum workplace temperature in Great Britain, but heat can be a hazard, and employers must assess and control the risks to their staff. The Health and Safety Executive recommends practical measures that include relaxing formal dress codes, improving ventilation, providing drinking water and allowing additional breaks. HSE guidance on managing workplace temperatures
Risks for Property Professionals
Letting and estate agents do not spend the entire working day in an air-conditioned office. Their duties may include:
conducting viewings in hot or poorly ventilated properties
carrying out inventories and property inspections
visiting vacant properties where utilities have been disconnected
walking between appointments
travelling for prolonged periods in cars
Formal clothing can restrict the body’s ability to cool itself, particularly when an employee is moving between appointments or working inside an unoccupied property with closed windows. Excessive heat can cause dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, reduced concentration and, in serious cases, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Should the dress code be relaxed?
Employers are not automatically required to suspend their dress code because the weather is hot. However, Acas advises that relaxing the requirement for suits and ties may be sensible.
A temporary summer dress code may benefit everyone and does not have to mean excessively casual. An agency can retain a professional appearance while removing clothing requirements that are unnecessary or uncomfortable in extreme temperatures.
Equality and Individual needs
The dress code should be applied consistently.. Employers must consider individual circumstances, including pregnancy, disability, medical conditions, medication and menopausal symptoms. Some employees may be more vulnerable to heat or may require reasonable adjustments.
Requirements for men and women should be equal.. For example, it may be difficult to justify allowing one group to wear significantly lighter clothing while requiring another to retain jackets, ties or heavier uniforms.
Practical steps for agencies
During periods of extreme heat, agencies should consider:-
reviewing the workplace risk assessment
introducing a written temporary hot-weather dress code
consulting staff about comfortable and appropriate clothing
ensuring that cold drinking water is readily available
allowing additional time between viewings
avoiding lone working in dangerously hot or poorly ventilated properties
providing fans, blinds or air conditioning where practicable
checking that company vehicles are suitably ventilated
The HSE confirms that risk assessments should consider the temperature, humidity, work rate, clothing and personal factors affecting an employee’s tolerance of heat.