TUC pushes for Japanese cool office design

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 19-07-2006

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) launched a campaign yesterday (July 19th) to urge companies to relax dress codes during the summer.

Firms are being asked to follow the example of Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi who last summer took off his tie and urged his country's workforce to leave their jackets and ties at home.

Mr Koizumi's move was aimed to reduce the use of air conditioning and cut energy use over the summer.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "We'd like British bosses to work cool and take the Japanese premier's advice and allow their staff to dress down a little for summer.

"Not only will a cool approach to work avoid staff wilting at their desks, it could also save companies money as they should be able to turn down the air con a notch. Arctic-style air conditioning may stop the workplace from becoming like an oven, but its overuse is not good for the environment."

He added that vest tops and shorts were probably not suitable attire for all frontline staff, but suggested those not dealing with the public should be allowed to discard their tights, ties and suits.

"We're calling on bosses to let their staff loosen their collars and cool down while the heatwave continues," he said.

Office design can also play a role in cooling down the office, creating areas within an office where staff can go to cool off and taking advantage of office interior design that uses cooler colours.