SWELTERING in the heat? You are not alone large numbers of offices across Dorset and Hampshire still don't have air conditioning.

In an age when the average company car has air-con, one-third of offices still don't.

It's a false economy because productivity plummets by nearly a quarter when temperatures soar, new research confirms.

At least three-quarters of workers (78 per cent) complain of sweaty offices that stifle their ability to work, says recruitment firm Office Angels, which has a branch in Bournemouth.

And today is expected to be as hot as yesterday with temperatures in the Bournemouth area hitting 27C on the coast, rising to 31C inland.

"Despite recently experiencing one of the hottest July days on record, it seems some employers are failing to get the basics right when it comes to keeping their workforce happy," said Office Angels managing director Paul Jacobs.

Small gestures make a big difference, he says:

  • allowing staff to dress according to the heat
  • investing in fans where needed
  • encouraging staff to leave on time to enjoy the summer sun.

All these concessions "mean employees are far more comfortable, relaxed and able to get on with the job in hand."

According to Office Angels:

  • 81 per cent of workers find it difficult to concentrate if the office temperature is higher than normal
  • 62 per cent admitted that tasks took up to 25 per cent longer to complete in the heat
  • 65 per cent of male office workers are expected to wear shirt, jacket and tie all year round regardless of temperatures
  • 17 per cent of staff have been reprimanded for wearing "unsuitable outfits" to work in order to keep cool.