Almost 4% of the world's total working hours could be lost to climate-induced high temperatures by 2030

Europe is warming at twice the rate of other continents, and heatwaves are becoming more severe. Two years ago, around 70,000 people lost their lives due to extreme heat. This year, Barcelona recorded its hottest day ever in July, while Paris and London are bracing for their hottest days of the season.

The intense heat is expected to persist beyond this summer.

Outdoor workers and employees in non-air-conditioned offices are facing the brunt of the situation. In Greece, for instance, officials recently instructed construction and delivery workers to stop working between noon and 5 p.m. if temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F), with fines for non-compliant employers.

While countries like Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, and Spain have legal maximum temperature regulations, not all nations have set limits, and trade unions are pushing for EU-wide standards.

In the UK, worker groups are urging the government to establish legal temperature limits at workplaces. The Trades Union Congress argues that current rules, which require employers to maintain "reasonable" temperatures, are hard to enforce unless someone is seriously injured.

Heat affects worker productivity in various ways, from sleep disruption and loss of focus to delayed commutes. The International Labor Organization predicts that nearly 4% of global working hours could be lost to climate-related high temperatures by 2030.

The productivity hit is often worse in London than in Barcelona, despite higher temperatures in the latter, due to infrastructure in the UK and Northern Europe being designed for milder climates.

Setting enforceable temperature limits at work could drive businesses to address heat-related productivity issues. London’s white-collar sector already loses over £500 million ($641 million) annually due to heat-reduced productivity.

In practice, this could mean more air conditioning indoors, rescheduling construction to cooler parts of the day, moving workers away from windows, and factoring in overheating risks in building designs. Perks like free cold drinks and rest areas could also be included.

However, adaptation comes with costs. While large corporate offices typically have AC, small businesses may struggle to afford it. Innovations like $800 self-cooling workwear are still out of reach for many. As a result, some businesses might even be forced to close for a siesta during the hottest periods.