Let’s be honest—working through the summer months in an office can feel like running a marathon in a business suit. While friends and family are Instagramming their way through beach days and iced coffees, you’re powering through emails in a warm meeting room that’s forgotten what air con feels like. But fear not—we’ve got a few tried-and-tested tips to help you breeze through summer at your desk without breaking a sweat (or looking like you’re slacking off).
- Hydration Station: Your Secret Superpower
Water is your best friend in the heat. But the key is to make it easy to drink regularly. That’s where a good desk water bottle or infuser jug comes in. Keep one within arm’s reach and add a few slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint to make it feel less like a chore and more like a spa treatment. For offices with kitchen facilities, a cold water dispenser or mini fridge stocked with low-sugar drinks can be a real morale booster—not to mention a subtle invitation for team bonding by the kettle alternative.
Top tip: Encourage your team to drink up by providing branded reusable bottles—it’s sustainable, practical, and great for company culture.
- Breaks Without Guilt (or Side-Eye)
Taking regular breaks actually increases productivity—but we all know the dance of trying not to look like we’re skiving. The trick is to be smart about it. Breaks don’t have to mean scrolling TikTok in the kitchen. Try a quick lap of the office, a five-minute tidy-up of your workspace (hello, excuse for new desk organisers), or offering to post that letter or collect something from reception.
Better yet, suggest a ‘walking meeting’. You’ll be amazed how much more creative people get when they’re not slumped in a boardroom under fluorescent lights.
- Dress Code, But Make it Summer
Of course, we’re not advocating turning up in flip-flops and a vest. But many workplaces now allow a slightly more relaxed dress code in summer—so make the most of it. Lightweight fabrics, lighter colours, and smart-casual staples can make a world of difference. Keep a desk fan on standby for when the mercury rises, and you’ll feel like you’re in your own climate-controlled bubble of calm.
Bonus item: If your office is a bit old-school on the dress front, keep a neutral-toned lint roller
or clothes brush handy to spruce up a more casual outfit in a hurry.
- Summer-Proof Your Desk
Think of your desk as your mini sanctuary. A few clever tweaks can make it feel less like a heat trap and more like a productivity hub. Add a USB-powered fan, swap your thick notebook for a sleek, wire-bound one that doesn’t stick to your arms, and consider a monitor riser to improve airflow (and posture!). Plants are also a great way to bring a bit of the outdoors in—plus they help clean the air, which can get a bit stuffy in closed-up spaces.
- Timing is Everything
If your workplace allows any flexibility, use it! Start a little earlier and finish before the heat peaks, or break your day into focus sessions and cool-down slots. A handy planner pad can help you visualise your day and build in mini-breaks, keeping you on track without burning out.
Final Thoughts
Summer in the office doesn’t have to be a slog. With a bit of smart planning—and the right tools—you can stay cool, hydrated and quietly efficient while the sun blazes on. And hey, while you might not be poolside, at least you’re not battling sunburn or sand in your keyboard.
If your workspace could use a summer refresh, we’ve got what you need.