How to help your staff stay active, healthy and safe this summer

Key takeaways:

• Research has suggested that some employees may find it more difficult to stay productive when temperatures rise[1].
• Its crucial for employers to consider how hot weather can affect their workforce – and the support they can put in place to help.
• Vitality’s Head of Exercise, Jonathan Kibble, shares five ways that employers can help their staff to stay healthy and active.

As the warm weather continues across the UK, some research suggests employees may find it more difficult to stay active, focused and productive. And if they are, then it seems they’re not alone.

According to research from Instantprint, 71% of UK workers said heatwaves make them less productive, with 43% experiencing a significant drop in output when the temperatures soar[1].

The same research found that 68% said they struggle to concentrate after 2pm in hot weather, making it the least productive point of the day[1].

More generally, lost productivity can have a significant impact on employers; Vitality’s 10 Years of Britain’s Healthiest Workplace report found that, in 2023, the average UK employee lost the equivalent of 49.7 days of productive time due to absenteeism and presenteeism[2].

For businesses, this could have huge financial implications; the same report found that lost productivity due to ill-health is estimated to have cost the UK economy £860billion between 2014 and 2023[2].

A helping hand in the heat

Particularly in warmer weather, it’s crucial for employers to consider how hot weather can affect their workforce – and the support they can put in place to help.

By helping employees to adapt their routines during periods of hot weather, employers can support both productivity and wellbeing.

Below, Vitality’s Head of Exercise, Jonathan Kibble, shares five ways that employers can help their staff to stay healthy and active when temperatures are toasty.

1. Make hydration a workplace priority

It may sound simple, but reminding employees to stay hydrated is one practical way to support wellbeing.

“Employees may benefit from drinking water regularly, particularly before, during and after activity,” Jonathan says. “They shouldn’t wait until they feel thirsty, especially if they’re sweating a lot during exercise.”

Outside of exercise, employers should also think about how they can support staff to keep cool – whether it’s promoting regular hydration breaks or ensuring that there’s good access to water refill stations.

2. Encourage movement at cooler times of the day

When the weather is warm, even light physical activity can feel more demanding. So, where possible, it’s a good idea to encourage your employees to fit walks and exercise into the cooler parts of the day.

Through the Vitality Programme, eligible health members can get access to rewards when they get active, such as free handcrafted drinks and coffees, cinema tickets, and discounted fitness trackers – perfect for summer!

However, Jonathan says it's worth considering when exercise takes place during the day. “Aim for early morning or later evening when temperatures are lower. Avoid the hottest part of the day where possible, usually late morning to mid-afternoon,” he says.

For employers, offering flexible working arrangements could also make it easier for employees to maintain healthy routines without putting additional strain on their bodies in periods of hot weather.

3. Promote cooler places to exercise

Employers can support safer activity by highlighting cooler options for exercise and movement.

“Encourage employees to use shaded walking routes, indoor fitness facilities and air-conditioned gyms, where available,” Jonathan says.

Through the Vitality Programme, eligible health members can get access to discounts on gym memberships at partner gyms Nuffield Health, Virgin Active and PureGym, providing a shady location for employees to work out.

Offering a range of alternative suggestions can help your employees to stay active and cool at the same time.

4. Share practical advice on dressing for the heat

Again, it may sound simple, but sharing guidance on clothing can help employees to dress more comfortably in the heat, particularly if walking, commuting to work or doing light exercise.

“Encourage your employees to wear light, breathable clothing,” Jonathan says. “Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing can help your body release heat more effectively and a cap or visor can also help reduce sun exposure.”

Employers can also consider relaxing dress codes for those in the office.

5. Avoid chasing usual performance targets

When the temperatures rise, employees may find their typical exercise routines more challenging than usual.

For Jonathan, it’s crucial to remind employees that “pace, power or distance may drop in the heat. Use effort level instead and accept that your body is working harder than usual.”

Employers can help by encouraging staff to focus on consistency over performance.

Whether it’s a lunchtime walk, a run or a gym session, staying active safely is more important than hitting personal bests.

Looking for post-run cool down tips?

Head of Exercise & Physical Activity at Vitality, Jonny Kibble, and Vitality ambassador, Jess Ennis-Hill, share their effective cool down tips and techniques.

Watch the video below:

Supporting wellbeing through the summer

While hot weather can create additional challenges for employers, it also provides a timely opportunity for employers to demonstrate a proactive approach to workplace wellbeing.

Whether it’s promoting hydration breaks or encouraging movement at cooler times in the day, employers can help staff to maintain healthy habits in the warmer weather and help support productivity.

[1] 71% of UK workers say heatwaves are killing their productivity – and the afternoon slump is costing more than you think, Instantprint, May 2026

[2] 10 Years of Britain’s Healthiest Workplace: the changing face of the UK at work, Vitality, 2025