Care homes must rethink uniform comfort during hotter summers, says Sara Catanzaro, Design Manager at Alsico.
The UK has already experienced record temperatures this year, with forecasters predicting another hot summer ahead.
Care homes are maintained at warmer temperatures to support older people, many of whom are more vulnerable to the effects of the cold. For care workers carrying out physically-demanding tasks over long shifts, these conditions can become increasingly challenging during periods of hot weather, with limited opportunities to cool down.
As organisations continue to focus on workforce wellbeing and retention, uniforms must be evaluated to understand if they are effective for today’s environment.
When discomfort becomes a workplace issue
For care workers, temperature management is not simply a matter of comfort. Long shifts, physically demanding tasks and constant movement can quickly lead to overheating, fatigue and discomfort.
Recent research commissioned by alsico explored the experiences of 410 UK care home workers. The findings suggest that uniform comfort is becoming an increasingly important issue. In fact, 58% of respondents said the fit of their uniform affects how well they can carry out their duties, while almost a third reported having to wear garments that did not fit properly.
These findings become particularly significant during warmer months. When clothing restricts movement or traps heat, discomfort can become a constant feature of the working day. What may begin as a minor irritation at the start can become increasingly distracting as temperatures rise.
For many care workers, overheating is about more than simply feeling warm. Excess heat can affect concentration, increase fatigue and make physically demanding tasks feel more challenging. In care environments, where staff are responsible for supporting vulnerable people, maintaining focus and energy is essential.
Designing uniforms for a changing workforce
The challenge can be even greater for women experiencing menopause symptoms. The care sector employs a predominantly female workforce, and many women continue working through perimenopause and menopause while managing symptoms such as hot flushes and increased sweating.
Our research found that 68% of respondents who had experienced menopause symptoms at work said their uniform did not help them cool down following a hot flush, while 63% said their uniform did not prevent them from becoming sweaty or uncomfortable.
While there is no such thing as a menopause-specific uniform, there are design considerations that can help support comfort more effectively. Fabric choice is particularly important. Breathable materials that facilitate airflow and support moisture management can help reduce heat build-up and improve comfort during physically demanding shifts. Stretch and flexibility are equally important, ensuring garments move with the wearer rather than becoming restrictive as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
The most effective uniforms are those that balance practical requirements with wearer comfort, providing staff with garments that remain comfortable across changing conditions and different working environments.
A practical opportunity for care providers
Importantly, organisations should involve staff in these decisions wherever possible. Care workers are best placed to identify the practical challenges they face throughout a shift and provide valuable feedback on what works and what doesn't. Simple garment trials, fit reviews or regular opportunities for feedback can help providers make more informed decisions and ensure uniforms genuinely meet the needs of the workforce.
As temperatures continue to rise and workforce wellbeing remains a key priority across the sector, it may be time to view uniforms differently. Care workers spend every shift supporting the wellbeing of others. Ensuring they remain comfortable, supported and able to perform at their best should be a priority for every care provider.
