When the summer heat kicks into high gear, it does more than make everyone miserable. It slows everything down. Crews move slower. Tempers run hotter. Equipment gets cranky. And before you know it, your tight timeline starts slipping away.
If your jobsite feels like it is stuck in slow motion, the weather might be to blame. Let’s break down how extreme heat can kill productivity, and what you can do to fight back.
Heat Makes People Move Slower
This is just a fact. When it is hot, your body works harder to stay cool. That means less energy for everything else. Workers who normally knock out tasks in half a day might take a full day just to stay safe.
Trying to push through usually backfires. You end up with more mistakes, higher chances of injury, and worse morale. Productivity drops, and safety takes a hit.
Plan Your Day Around the Weather
Use the early hours for the hardest work. Think lifting, digging, roofing, or anything physical. Save the lighter or less demanding tasks for the afternoon.
If your crew is burning out by lunch, that is your sign to shift the schedule. Start earlier if you can. Take longer midday breaks. If possible, even split shifts to work early morning and evening when temps drop a little.
Talk to the Client About Weather Delays
No one wants to tell a customer that their job might take longer. But if you are baking in 100-degree heat for a week straight, that is just reality.
Be upfront. Let them know you are protecting your crew and your quality. Most people understand. It is better than rushing, making mistakes, or having someone get hurt.
Use Shade and Rest to Recharge
Shade is not just about comfort. It helps your crew recover so they can keep going. Set up tents, park equipment for coverage, or find natural shade if possible. Take real breaks, not just quick water stops.
A five-minute break in the shade with cold water can buy you a lot more energy later in the day.
Track Your Crew’s Output
This is where job costing tools like ProfitDig come in. If you see productivity dropping every time a heat wave hits, that is useful data. You can build that into future bids, timelines, and crew planning.
The heat might slow you down, but it should not catch you off guard. Track it. Adjust for it. Plan around it.
Extreme heat is not just a comfort issue. It is a productivity killer. The good news is, with a little planning and some smart crew management, you can keep things moving even when the sun is out to fry you.
Take care of your people. Watch the clock. Adjust your game plan. Because nobody wins when your whole crew runs out of steam by 10 a.m.