This August is bringing sunshine, long days, and an unexpected UK heatwave. While the warmer weather can feel like a treat, it’s also the perfect reminder to slow down, recharge, and make wellbeing a priority.

This month is National Wellness Month, a campaign dedicated to encouraging healthier habits, self-care, and mindfulness. In this blog we explore different wellbeing tips at work to help encourage and build motivation for employees during the heatwave. Taking this opportunity to spend some time on activities that promote your wellbeing this summer, even small efforts can make a difference.

What is National Wellness Month?

National Wellness Month, celebrated every August, is all about promoting healthy lifestyles and positive wellbeing practices. It’s a chance for both employees and employers to reflect on how they can support mental, physical, and emotional health, at work and at home.

National Wellness Month also encourages people to consider the different factors that influence their wellbeing, such as physical health, mental health, and lifestyle choices. Whether this is being active during lunch, making new friends, wanting to talk more to colleagues or even write or journal more often.

For businesses, this means recognising that a healthy, happy workforce is more productive, engaged, and resilient. For employees, it’s a prompt to take small, manageable steps toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Why it Matters for Businesses and Employees

  • Boosts productivity – Employees who prioritise wellbeing are often more energised and focused.
  • Reduces absenteeism – Healthy routines and self-care can help prevent stress, burnout, and illness.
  • Improves morale – A positive work environment improves job satisfaction and retention.
  • Supports company culture – Encouraging wellbeing demonstrates genuine care for staff.
  • Promotes good health – Supporting good health among employees leads to increased productivity, reduced health-related costs, and better business outcomes.

While the sunshine sticks around, here’s how employees can turn this heatwave into an opportunity to boost wellbeing and take responsibility for their own health as part of a balanced life:

1. Get outside (safely)

Make the most of the long daylight hours by spending time outdoors, whether it’s a morning walk before work, an al fresco lunch, or reading in the garden after hours. Natural light exposure boosts vitamin D, which supports mood regulation, immune function, and energy levels. You can also use your lunch time to get outside, enjoy fresh air and sunlight, and recharge for the rest of the workday.

Pro tip: Avoid peak heat (11 am–3 pm) and always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Even a short stroll in the early morning or evening can help reset your body clock and improve sleep.

2. Build healthier daily routines

Summer is an ideal time to shake up old habits. Swap your post-work screen time for a swim, try outdoor yoga, or take a scenic cycle route instead of the treadmill. The warmer weather makes it easier to be active without the “I’ll do it tomorrow” excuses that colder months bring.

Consider taking on a new challenge or developing new skills as part of your summer routine. This could mean learning a language, picking up a new hobby, or taking on new responsibilities at work to foster personal growth.

Pro tip: Pair your new routine with something you enjoy, such as listening to your favourite podcast while walking to make it more sustainable. Learning new skills can also make your routine more enjoyable and beneficial, helping you develop a positive mindset and enhance your overall wellbeing.

3. Make the most of bank holidays and annual leave

The late August bank holiday is perfectly timed for a final summer reset before autumn. Use it to plan a getaway, explore a new area, or simply slow down at home. If you have annual leave left, consider using a day or two to create a long weekend for maximum rest.

Taking a real break or a proper lunch break during your time off is essential to recharge, reduce stress, and support your mental well-being.

Pro tip: Fully switch off from work emails and notifications. Giving your mind space to rest improves concentration and creativity when you return.

4. Stay hydrated and cool

When temperatures rise, dehydration can creep up quickly, leading to headaches, fatigue, and low mood. Aim for 6–8 glasses of water a day, and don’t forget to drink regularly, choose healthy drinks like water or herbal teas, and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks when possible. Eat hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, and opt for lighter meals that are easier to digest in the heat.

A variety of food and drinks, including fruits, vegetables, and nourishing snacks, play a key role in maintaining your wellbeing during hot weather.

Pro tip: Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to keep indoor spaces cooler, and use a fan or damp cloth on your neck to bring your body temperature down.

5. Connect with others

The sunny season is perfect for building and maintaining social connections, a key pillar of emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s a picnic with friends, an outdoor sports club, or a BBQ with family, these moments strengthen relationships and boost mental health. Building good relationships at work and in your community can also play a vital role in supporting your overall wellbeing.

Pro tip: Mix social time with physical activity, such as walking with a friend or playing a team sport, to get the benefits of both movement and connection. Talking openly with a colleague or another person about your feelings can help support your emotional wellbeing.

Prioritising Mental Health During the Summer

Summer brings longer days and brighter weather, but it can also introduce unique challenges for mental health and wellbeing. High temperatures, humidity, and changes in routine can sometimes lead to increased stress and impact mental wellbeing. That’s why it’s essential for both employers and employees to make mental health a priority during the warmer months.

Employers can play a vital role by creating a comfortable working environment, encouraging regular breaks, and supporting healthy habits like staying hydrated and taking time off when needed. Simple adjustments, such as allowing flexible hours or providing cool, quiet spaces, can make a big difference in reducing stress and supporting overall wellbeing.

For employees, prioritising mental health might mean scheduling outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, practicing breathing exercises to manage stress, and making time to connect with friends and family. Building these habits into your daily routine can help you maintain balance, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, especially during the summer heatwave.

Building Resilience in Challenging Conditions

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from life’s challenges, a skill that’s especially important during periods of high stress, like a heatwave. Building resilience helps employees maintain good mental health and wellbeing, even when faced with difficult conditions.

Employers can support resilience by offering access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or stress management workshops, and by fostering a positive, supportive workplace culture. Encouraging open communication and providing the right support can help employees feel more connected and better equipped to cope with stress and anxiety.

On a personal level, employees can strengthen their resilience by developing healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and making time for regular exercise. Building strong relationships with colleagues, friends, and family also provides a vital sense of support and connection. By focusing on these essential aspects of wellbeing, individuals can better manage stress, maintain good mental health, and navigate the challenges that come with working through a summer heatwave.

Mindfulness and Presence at Work

Practicing mindfulness and being present at work are powerful ways to support good mental health and wellbeing, especially during the busy summer months. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve focus. Employers can encourage mindfulness by offering training sessions or sharing resources, and by promoting a workplace culture that values regular breaks and mental wellbeing. Technology can also play a role, with mindfulness apps and virtual tools making it easier for employees to incorporate mindful moments into their working day.

For employees, simple practices like taking regular breaks, doing deep breathing exercises, and focusing on one task at a time can make a big difference. These habits help reduce stress, improve concentration, and support a healthy work-life balance. By making mindfulness and presence a part of daily life, both employers and employees can create a more supportive, balanced, and productive workplace, no matter how high the temperature rises outside.

Wellbeing in the Workplace: What Employers Can Do

Employers can also use the summer to encourage a healthier, happier workforce:

  • Flexible hours – Allow earlier or later starts to avoid commuting during peak heat.
  • Outdoor meetings – Swap the meeting room for a shaded outdoor spot.
  • Wellbeing reminders – Share tips on hydration, sun safety, and stress management.
  • Encourage annual leave – Remind employees to take their holidays before the year ends.
  • Support from line managers – Line managers play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing, offering guidance and creating a safe, supportive environment.

Research shows that employer-led wellbeing initiatives can have beneficial and helpful effects on both employee health and business performance.

How Activ People HR Can Help Businesses Prioritise Wellbeing

At Activ People HR, we believe that effective HR management supports employee wellbeing year-round. Our platform gives every business the tools to create a supportive, organised, and compliant workplace, without drowning in admin.

With holiday and absence management, managers can ensure employees take the breaks they need to recharge. Taking breaks and making time to stretch during the workday are essential for achieving wellbeing goals and reducing feeling stressed. Centralised employee records and onboarding tools make HR processes smoother, reducing stress for both managers and staff. And with compliance taken care of, leaders have more time to focus on building a positive, healthy workplace culture.

When admin is automated and employee data is easy to manage, businesses can put people first, creating an environment where wellbeing is more than just a tick-box exercise.

This National Wellness Month, and throughout the summer, Activ People HR helps you make space for what matters most: a healthy, happy, and productive workforce.