As the UK’s cold snap continues, few homeworkers can afford to heat their homes during the working day, due to soaring energy prices. This could leave many exposed to serious health risks, so it’s important to share the following tips and advice on how best to stay warm.

The cost-of-living crisis, which has seen fuel prices nearly double in a year, means millions of homeworkers feel unable to turn their heating on in the day, forcing them to work in perishingly cold conditions that would be considered unacceptable in the physical office.

The Approved Code of Practice, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests that workplaces should be heated to at least 16C, with a legal requirement on employers to keep the temperature ‘comfortable’, which is usually considered to be at least 18C.

Yet, with -10C arctic air set to blast the UK for the next seven days, many homeworkers will be attempting to work in unheated homes that fall far below 18C. The consequences of working in environments that fall below this include:

• Reduced productivity as blood flow to the brain is reduced by as much as 20%, reducing the ability of employees to think clearly and complete tasks
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as the circulatory system narrows blood vessels to keep major organs, including the heart and liver, warm (at around 37C)
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, including muscle, joint and ligament issues, caused by soft-tissue contraction and muscles becoming too cold to operate properly
• Increased vulnerability to developing colds and viruses and experiencing respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Many employees are unaware of just how dangerous it is to work in environments that are too cold, so it’s important to advise them of the risks and share insights on how they can stay warm despite their reluctance to generate additional energy costs.

Seven ways to help homeworkers stay warm during the cold snap

1. Encourage them to be clever with heating

Even though it might be cost-prohibitive to heat the entire house, encourage employees to keep the room they are working in to at least 18C, by turning off other radiators, or using a stand-alone heating device, and blocking out drafts under doors or windows.

2. Get them to layer up

Make sure employees understand the importance of wearing lots of layers, including thermal base layers, instead of just putting on a hat or thick jumper. These will trap layers of warm air, in much the same way that a wet suit traps layers of warm water.

3. Promote warm food and drinks
Consuming hot food and drinks, such as soup, porridge or heated up leftovers, can go a long way to helping employees to keep warm. Keep this front of mind by encouraging them to share their tips and even pictures of their hot meal or drink of the day with each other.

4. Provide heating aids

Just as you might provide employees with ergonomic equipment to ensure they don’t develop musculoskeletal (MSK) issues from a poor home office set-up, also consider providing employees with heating aids, ranging from heating fans to electric blankets.

5. Welcome them back to the office

No-one should be working in unhealthily cold environments, so if they can’t stay warm at home, make sure all homeworkers are given the opportunity to come back to the office during cold snaps, or find a hot-desking solution close to where they live.

6. Encourage movement breaks

Staying active is important at the best of times, but it can also help to boost circulation and keep employees warm. Encourage them to warm up gradually and wrap up with hats, gloves and scarves if they go outside, which will make coming back home feel warmer.

7. Connect them to financial support

Freezing temperatures will trigger cold weather payments for people on the lowest incomes and many people in work are also entitled to other state benefits they’re not aware of. Get them to call your EAP’s welfare and benefits advisor or Citizens Advice for information.

Most important of all is to make sure employees are aware of the health risks, so that they become motivated to take action to protect themselves. Encourage managers to talk to employees about how they’re keeping warm and signpost them towards education, tips and advice on how to do this if they’re struggling.

Also make sure employees are aware of any health support services in place, such as access to a private GP or occupational health, and encourage them to use this, or call 111, if they start to develop health problems due to the cold snap.