If you're not all wide-eyed, and warbling show stopper tunes from Disney's Frozen, the chances are the snow and ice is getting between you and fulfilling your work commitments.
CV-Library has put together their top tips on dealing with the icy weather at work:
Snow can lose its magic and become somewhat of an inconvenience. This is particularly true when it comes to tackling the working week during heavy snowfall. What are your rights if you can’t do your job because of the snow? How can you stay safe? Will your dress code allow you to stay warm? Leading job board CV-Library has put together their top tips on dealing with the icy weather at work.
What are your employee rights if you can’t get to work?
Most employers are not bound to pay their employees if they cannot get to work, and this applies for reasons related to snow, ice and adverse weather conditions, too. However, ultimately this decision will be made at the discretion of your employer and you may find that yours is happy to pay you as normal.
In order to retain the lost day’s wages in your next pay packet, your employer may suggest that the day be taken from your holiday allowance, or that you make up the hours as overtime. It is not compulsory to accept either of these options but you may find one of them preferable to losing a day’s pay. In the unfortunate case of your children’s school being closed, by law your employer is required to allow emergency time off. However, they are not bound to pay you for this time, so it may be pertinent to discuss emergency childcare with a family member or neighbour in advance. If you company has not already, ask them for some written information on their bad weather policy, so you know what to expect in advance of the next snow day.
Work from home effectively
Yes! Your boss has conceded to a snow day. Now what? If your work can be carried out using a computer, it’s possible you’ll be asked to work from home. Whilst the temptation to pour yourself a hot chocolate and stick on Jeremy Kyle may be calling, remember – there could be repercussions for not completing work as expected. Block out any distractions – working in a room without a television or too-comfortable seating if possible – and structure your day so that you can enjoy your regular lunch break. If you have to look after children following a school closure, make sure to relay this information to your manager as early in the day as possible, and they should be happy to amend their expectations accordingly.
Getting to work safely
Once you’ve decided whether to tackle the morning commute, make sure you’re well prepared before heading out. If you’re driving in, stock up on supplies including de-icer, an ice scraper and a blanket in case you get stuck somewhere. Make sure your phone is fully charged and you have enough petrol to get from A to B (via C, D and E in the instance of diversions). Pull away in second gear for added traction, drive slowly and smoothly, and avoid hill starts where possible – wait at the bottom of any inclines until the coast is clear.
If you’re taking a train or bus, allow for delays! Attempt to contact your transport service provider before leaving the house, or keep an eye out for online alerts informing of cancellations. Lucky enough to live within walking distance? It may take you three times as long on an icy day. Wear boots or trainers on the journey and keep your smart shoes in a bag – a much better option than slipping about on no-grip soles and having cold, wet feet for the rest of the day!
How to stay warm in office wear
Offices can be chilly at the best of times, so when the snow sets in and you’re sitting still all day, they can become unbearable! The key to dressing for work in the winter months is subtle layering. In environments where looking smart is key, wear a long-sleeved t-shirt beneath your shirt and thermal underwear if you have any. Your boss may allow for coats and scarves to stay on, but if not, speak with a HR contact about the ambient temperature and make sure to stay relatively active and topped up with hot drinks to keep the shivers at bay.
