Like all people of a certain age, we look back and remember long hot summers, but is that a rose-tinted reflection? In the years to come people will certainly reflect on the Summer of 2026 and maybe the following years. We’re told that this is the new norm and, in fairness, many have adapted quickly to the weather. So how has it been for our housekeeping teams?

During this lengthy heatwave housekeeping staff may have faced heightened physical strain, increased health risks, and reduced productivity due to the excessively hot weather, particularly in older or poorly ventilated buildings without air conditioning. Therefore, their managers will have had to adapt working conditions, expectations, and put in support systems to keep staff safe and maintain service quality.

Physiological impact of heat on our work

Heat Stress – housekeeping tasks are physically demanding, with lifting, bending, pushing trolleys, cleaning hard and soft flooring using machinery, and sometimes working in enclosed spaces. Heat accelerates fatigue, dehydration, and cardiovascular strain.

Dehydration risk – staff often work long shifts with limited time for breaks; sweating increases fluid loss, reducing concentration and thus increasing potential accident risk.
Cognitive performance is reduced – heat impairs decision-making, hazard awareness, and fine motor skills, essential in environments where we are using cleaning chemicals or may come across sharps, or biohazards.
Existing conditions – staff with asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or menopausal symptoms may experience worsened health outcomes.

The challenge of buildings without air conditioning

Poor ventilation – windows that have restricted opening and outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that can sometimes trap heat.
Thermal inequality – some areas may have air conditioning while housekeeping teams often work in the hottest zones, creating a wellbeing gap.
Heat-retaining materials – older buildings with brick, concrete, or flat roofs absorb and radiate heat throughout the day.
Equipment-generated heat – vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and laundry machinery add to the temperature and the physical element of the tasks housekeepers are undertaking.

Health and safety considerations

Risk assessments – heat exposure must be included in risk assessments.

Reasonable adjustments – flexible scheduling, additional breaks, hydration stations, and temporary uniform changes.
Training – staff should recognise early signs of heat exhaustion and know escalation routes.
Monitoring – ideally managers will be tracking temperatures in high-risk areas and have plans in place when temperatures reach a certain threshold.
Legal considerations – the UK has no maximum legal workplace temperature; however, employers must maintain safe working conditions under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

It’s vital to ensure our team members stay hydrated

Speaking to colleagues I have been impressed with the strategies that have been put in place. These include ensuring cold water access and electrolyte drinks, with reminders during briefings and additional rest breaks. Staff must be able to identify heat stress and report that promptly. Rest spaces in identified cool zones provide recovery breaks.

There have been shift redesigns, such as prioritising heavier tasks early morning and rotating staff through cooler areas. Ventilation improvements include fans, portable coolers and open-door policies for certain areas. Uniform adaptations mean breathable fabrics, lighter colours and optional PPE alternatives where safe.

Managers realise staff may feel undervalued if their discomfort is ignored whilst other staff are operating in cooler areas. We recognise that sustained heat exposure can increase exhaustion and can lead to sickness absence. Some neurodivergent staff experience heightened sensory discomfort in hot, humid environments which must be managed. Not forgetting team members going through menopause.

Our housekeeping teams are the quiet engine of the organisation – maintaining hygiene, safety, and comfort in environments that depend on their skill and resilience. During hot weather, their work becomes significantly more demanding. Rising temperatures, increased humidity, and the absence of air conditioning in many UK buildings create conditions that are not only uncomfortable but potentially unsafe. So, it is good to hear that strategies and actions are being put in place with the wellbeing of our staff at the heart of it.

As heatwaves become more frequent, understanding the impact on housekeeping staff is no longer optional; it is essential.