To refuse to go into a hot and sweaty office

[Floofydawg]

I've been WFH full time since Covid but we now have a directive of two days a week in the office. I can do my job fully remotely with no problems. I've been going into the office as directed but last week the air conditioning in the office wasn't working and we weren't allowed to open any windows to let some air in. The office was very very hot. I ended up going home because I felt ill and had a headache from the heat (I did work when I got home). Manager is expecting us in the office later this week even though the aircon is not fixed and we've been warned it could be warmer due to the heatwave. AIBU to refuse to go in?

I would also add that I am struggling with menopause and not being able to regulate my body temperature. Not saying I should get special treatment however I do struggle with it. I'd rather be home where I can open my windows and let some air in.

I asked to wfh during a heat wave when I was heavily pregnant and work said no but they did supply an air con unit. One day I moved it and it tipped over and water flooded the carpet 😬 after that they let me wfh when it was hot… Just saying!

FFS 🙄

I honestly don't know how you've got that from my post. I actually quite like going in under usual circumstances.

Take a CO2 monitor into work. It's completely unreasonable for the windows not to be open. You should have the right to clean air. Also, we're in a big covid wave, not having ventilation means you'll go in and get sick and be at home anyway. Also, you should have special treatment as a woman going through menopause, there should be workplace allowances to accommodate your biology.

I thought this too initially but then remembered that I am kind and that my compassion for others is why I went into the NHS.
Op only works in the office twice a week. The air con is broken so surely it’s common sense to allow the employees to wfh full time. You want your employees to be comfortable and be able to work to the best of their ability so you allow them to not become overheated and wfh which they already do the majority of the time?

Judging by some of the posters on this thread you can see why the Tories lasted so long in office. 🤔🤦🏻‍♀️🤨

Agree with PP, union rep helped me when I was peri and we had a heatwave. Under the Equality Act it was a reasonable adjustment for me to have my own fan/sit near open window.

Unfortunately WFH wasn’t as widespread then, otherwise I definitely would have asked for it. Some people don’t understand just how unbearable it can be when you’re going through menopause and stuck in a stifling room.

I remember being told there is a minimum working temp but not a maximum one.

They should at least be providing fans, though typically they’re often sold out once we’re actually in a heatwave.

One thing that can help (used to use it at work in a 50s building with a corrugated iron roof!) was a plant spray bottle, filled with water. You can usually pick one up for £1 or so. We used to spray each other often - it really made a difference.

I don't think there should be special treatment. I think everyone who can work from home part of the time should have arrangements changed when there is warmer than average temperature.

I was fortunate in my journey to a meeting that the trains were air conditioned and there is not the normal peak hour mass of people, not everyone is so lucky. Though I still had the sight for sore eyes that is English people dressing in warmer weather.

Is the heat getting to you too 😂

https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/employer/index.htm#:~:text=There's%20no%20law%20for%20maximum,example%20in%20bakeries%20or%20foundries.

Don't you have a union to sort out this ridiculous situation?
Your employer has a duty of care to ensure your work environment is suitable to work in ... including temperature extremes.

Depends on the office. The one I used to work in was like a South facing greenhouse, it definitely could get hotter inside than out. Without fans and aircon I would quite possibly refused to go in too

Absolutely they have to make adjustments for you OP. I currently manage someone going through the menopause and we’re pulling out all the stops for her. She can’t WFH so we’re doing what we can do she’s comfortable in office. She’s so uncomfortable and it’s hard to watch. That may be me one day.

It’s 30 degrees where I am. That’s hot.

All this duty of care bollocks and posting links as if the employer isnt already well aware that offices get hot in summer!

So going on your theory then, if anyone is in an office that either doesn’t have air con or the air con is broken then they should be sent home to work?’
Things would collapse pretty quickly!
or is it okay for other people?
Just not those who are too hot, or too cold, or don’t like driving in the snow, or conveniently can’t go into the office now it’s school holidays because (insert flimsy reason here)…
every office has them, if you don’t know who it is in yours then it’s probably you…

I would also add that I am struggling with menopause and not being able to regulate my body temperature. Not saying I should get special treatment however I do struggle with it.

Why mention it then. You clearly do want it to be taken into account, and there's nothing wrong with thar.

Only 'reasonable' instructions

I guess I didn't want to be old person bashed. Like the snowflake comment just now. But you're right, it does require reasonable adjustments.

I had to work from home for a few days last summer as i struggled on for a couple of weeks in temperatures over 32 with no air con and no opening windows. I was going home with a migraine every night and no quality of life. Literally had a total meltdown in the end in floods if tears as just couldn't cope any more. No issue at all at home eith back door open for air but felt i was suffocating in the office.

@Ilikeadrink14
I think you have that the wrong way round. @TeaAndBrie told OP to get a grip.

I am absolutely full of sympathy for OP being a menopausal woman myself.

For the sake of a few days just wfh until the temp drops.
say you felt faint, dizzy and unwell (likely true ) so it wasn’t safe for you to be in the office.
Honestly, put yourself and health and well-being first - don’t be a martyr.