Working in the Heat: 7 Tips to Protect Your Team

When temperatures rise, every movement becomes a challenge. Working in the heat places particular demands on jobs involving physical exertion. High temperatures affect not only performance but also the health of your employees. As a study by the German Environment Agency found, more than 40% of respondents expect heat to have a major or very major impact on their performance in the workplace in the future. This makes it all the more important to take action in good time. To help you keep a cool head, we at Shoes For Crews have compiled 7 practical tips for effectively protecting your team.

1. Start early, before the sun is blazing

Why work hard in 36-degree heat in the shade when you can start earlier? Moving working hours to cooler morning periods can help avoid peak strain. In logistics, for example, an earlier start to the working day can help avoid the midday heat. Some processes in food production can also be completed more effectively early in the morning, before machinery has overheated. For example, the German Armed Forces increasingly schedule exercises in summer for the early morning to protect soldiers from overheating. Flexible models are therefore worthwhile across all sectors.

2. Use shade and adjust working hours

If there is no air-conditioned workplace, every form of shading helps: shade sails, gazebos or simply smart deployment planning. In emergency medical services or public transport, distributing assignments among several people can ensure that no one has to work in direct sunlight for too long. Shift systems with sufficient breaks also help to reduce strain.

3. Clothing: lightweight, breathable and protective

Protective clothing is mandatory even when working in the heat – but it must be suited to the temperatures. Modern materials are breathable, lightweight and still provide protection. Safety shoes with highly breathable linings can make a real difference. Functional clothing should be standard, especially in healthcare, nurseries or food production, where hygiene requirements apply.

4. Drink plenty, drink properly

It sounds obvious, but it is essential: fluid requirements increase dramatically in hot weather. Employers should make water or unsweetened drinks available to their teams at all times. Especially in retail or hospitality, where people do a lot of talking and standing, drinking between tasks is not a luxury but a necessity. Small reminder signs,  apps or smart wristbands can help keep track of fluid intake – particularly for highly mobile jobs such as courier services or emergency medical services.

5. Build in micro-breaks

Short breaks work wonders. Even two to three minutes in the shade, with a cool cloth on the neck or a glass of water, can help the circulatory system. Especially when working outdoors or in vehicles without air conditioning (postal services, courier services, police & security), micro-breaks should be actively encouraged and planned.

6. Recognise warning signs

Headaches, dizziness, nausea – these are warning signs. Anyone who knows the signs of heatstroke can take action in time. Training sessions or short information leaflets help raise awareness within the team. Managers should be sensitised and keep an eye on their employees. When working in the heat, every minute can count when it comes to preventing an emergency. In care professions and nurseries in particular, where people are responsible for others, a heat-related collapse can have serious consequences. The key principle here is: better safe than sorry!

7. Pay attention to the right footwear

Work shoes play a bigger role than you might think. A shoe that is well ventilated, wicks away moisture and still provides the required protection can make all the difference. Shoes with a lightweight design made from highly breathable materials help prevent overheating and odour build-up. Anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet at work in summer should consider heat suitability when choosing footwear. Here are some of our most popular models:

The Everlight  

• Featherlight foam technology in the midsole for high cushioning comfort and pleasant wear
• Removable, cushioned insole (recycled EVA)
• Breathable woven upper
• Ideal for: hospitality, healthcare, retail
• Learn more about Everlight

Finn & Mavi

• Elastic inserts for easy slip-on wear
• Optional laces for a classic sneaker look
• Arch ventilation with three openings for airflow
• Ideal for: hospitality, logistics, retail
• Finn, Mavi

The Beltra

• Breathable
• Durable, waterproof material combination of coated leather and recycled mesh
• Metal-free, antistatic
• Ideal for: logistics, police & security services
• Learn more about Beltra

Carrig Low & Mid

• Heat and cold insulation
• Resistant to bloodborne pathogens
• Durable, waterproof material combination of leather and mesh
• Ideal for: logistics, police & security services
• Carrig Low, Carrig Mid

Defense High & Mid

• Waterproof and breathable
• Outsole heat-resistant up to 300 °C
• Durable material combination of coated leather and mesh
• Ideal for: logistics, police & security services
• Learn more

The Darver 

• Durable, waterproof material combination
• Breathable
• Metal-free, antistatic
• Ideal for: logistics, police & security services
• Learn more about Darver

In summary: Working in the heat requires smart strategies

Summers are becoming increasingly hot, and with them, management's responsibility is growing too. Targeted measures can make working in the heat safer and more comfortable. Whether through the right clothing, well-designed deployment plans or suitable footwear – every adjustment counts.

Investing in suitable equipment – such as breathable work shoes or lightweight protective clothing – is just as important as a positive team atmosphere. When everyone pulls together, summer heat becomes not a burden but a manageable challenge. Think long term: healthy employees mean fewer absences, greater satisfaction and a stronger employer image. This way, your company demonstrates not only care but also foresight – and sets an example of responsible action in times of climate change. Would you like to learn more about this topic or receive targeted, expert advice on which footwear for your industry is best suited? Then feel free to contact us at any time.