To be worried about going in the office in this heat already?

[Chocolateapot]

I work in an NHS building on the second floor with no aircon. There are windows but these only open a fraction and don't let much air in. When it is hot it gets so unbearable I end up feeling genuinely unwell with a headache. A few years ago apparently someone fainted the office got so hot. AIBU for already worrying about next week in this heatwave?

@coneyislandoldspot
There are huge variations in the temperature. It was 29-30 degrees yesterday where I am (SE) so we went to the coast (35 min drive) for the afternoon where it was 23.

I know this is going to come as a shock to people on this thread but
a) the temperature varies by geography, not everyone experiences the same level of heat
b) the temperature varies by building design, some buildings (at home/work) will feel far more tolerable in heat than others
c) the experience of temperature varies depending on lifestyle, whether you have to walk a lot in the heat or drive everywhere in an air-conditioned bubble. On whether you have endless physical caring responsibilities or can wallow in a cold pool for hours on end
d) the experience of temperature and ability to cope varies between different people. Not because some are hysterical but because their bodies are different. Many health conditions for instance are exacerbated by heat.

It's so easy to sit and smugly judge people rather than engaging your brain

putting a fan on doesn’t really help in our office ( also NHS) it just circulates the hot air around more.

you have my sympathies @Chocolateapot

You can get a USB desktop fan to plug into your laptop/computer. It won't need PAT testing. I have one at work and it's surprisingly powerful, you can get a good one for about £20 from Amazon.

For when you're in clinic and not at your desk get a hand-held portable fan or a neck fan. Again you can get USB recharging ones, no PAT testing necessary. I have one of these and it's great
amzn.eu/d/0ijwqArz

If you have a freezer in the staff kitchen take ice lollies and a couple of those cooling gel packs.

Put your hair up if it's long and wear light clothing.

Drink lots of water.

It might be uncomfortable at times but you'll be fine.

this post was posted on Saturday. It’s a three day weekend. OP has plenty of time to get on Amazon, purchase a small handheld fan (NHS workers got paid on Friday), and stop whining.

I would understand people’s concerns if the forecast was for this heatwave to last for the whole summer, or even a few weeks, but as with most hot weather in this country it is only forecast for a few days.
I’m not quite sure what posters of these threads want people to suggest? There’s no magic pill to take to cool you down. I understand they might be dreading working in a stuffy office for a few days, but it will be over as quick as it started.
All people can do is the standard advice of stay hydrated, put a fan on, hair up, cool cloth on back of neck etc

You’re absolutely entitled to your opinion, just as I’m entitled to challenge the language you used.

The word hysteria has a long history of being used to dismiss women’s emotions and concerns as irrational or overdramatic, which is why many women object to it. Pointing that out isn’t 'rubbish', it’s context.

You may not have intended it in a misogynistic way, but intent and impact aren’t always the same thing.

23 degrees might feel manageable to you, but not everyone experiences heat the same way. Age, medication, menopause, health conditions, pregnancy, disabilities and workplace environments can all make heat much harder to cope with.

People expressing discomfort or concern isn’t 'hysteria' just because you personally aren’t affected.

Empathy shouldn't be this difficult 🙄

You're being a bit of a drama lama. Freeze some bottles of water to bring in with you. Obviously to drink, but holding one the side of your neck for a minute or two is great at cooling you down.

FFS, I can't believe I'm having to say this to adult women 🙄

The heat might feel manageable to you, but not everyone experiences heat the same way. Age, medication, menopause, health conditions, pregnancy, disabilities and workplace environments can all make heat much harder to cope with.

People expressing discomfort or concern isn’t 'hysteria' or being a 'drama llama' just because you personally aren’t affected.

So, to the The just drink water and hysteria brigade HAVE SOME EMPATHY FOR YOUR FELLOW HUMAN, it's not that hard.

If the Op wanted sympathy and empathy… why come to AIBU and not the Work forum or health forum or maybe just googled

Legally a new item doesn't need PAT testing. And a battery powered one doesn't ever need PAT testing. I’ve got a USB plug in rechargeable desk fan - it’s great. Like this.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bearwind-Portable-Handheld-Turbo-Fan/dp/B0FY53ZYXZ/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xufetgropbicRTfsswMNlvKdNaWtwmPmYIY6A81I8TZ7CCEENztQqlDB0NlFa7Wl_UNDrH1m2aQgvkccbxXYXCvLrXYhC-u-GQt-dvNsfsHEyqqYu4cmeZJOnMzNJtMjJW1kaQZMQsHPWtjLrzQKJ2zEYMb2UfjVFkXFJJpv8StqZ-drVw51oz_sfdyyr_BpaNsghzuvx6-bIHTp6rfrFZgd8obJli1vHEoXw52oDF4.ibHnLqtOxBrpY-dma2HNfAyIJlbEolpjGLg1Of_Rb7w&dib_tag=se&keywords=mini%2Brechargeable%2Bfan&qid=1779615168&sr=8-5&th=1

Get yourself to HomeBargains/B&M - they have lots of handheld fans in various styles and sizes. No need to test hand ones.

Apart from the fan, can you choose your desk to reduce the impact (more of what little breeze there is, nearer to water supply)?

Relax. This is AIBU. So inviting comments from people that think unreasonable

Ah yes, I forgot AIBU gives people the right to be ignorant, obnoxious arseholes. Silly me 🙄

Point a fan directly at you and calm down!

You're at the wind up 🤣 don't bother replying cos I'm not biting.

Last time I was in hospital all the fans had been removed from the wards - for patient safety.

Bossy!

This. I blame the media for being so dramatic about everything now. On the news last night telling people to take care and how to cope in this hot weather. We've had two days of heat.

Rather than worrying think of ways to help yourself to keep cool. I was always taught to be pro active instead of reactive.

Just buy a rechargeable hand held fan. John Lewis do a great one for about £13 I work in a place that is currently 42 degrees. Not everywhere as air con and I am very peri. It’s been a godsend. No PAT testing needed

Mid 20’s are predicted, that’s not hot, it’s pleasantly warm. Hottest temperature is usually between 4&5pm too so head in early if you are flexible to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. I’m looking forward to being able to wear a summer dress and sandals as my office is generally freezing, still had heating on last week, I will be taking a cardigan in case … upside of working in a 19th century stone building