
Heat stress
Heat stress – how are we going to live with it?
Episode 42 | 18 July 2023
The summer of 2023 is recording some of the highest temperatures on record, for our entire planet. These new records have significant consequents, not just for the environment but also for human life, including the world of work. Heat stress is a growing issue. It affects not just individual workers – particularly those who work outside – but also businesses and the overall economy, because higher temperatures affect productivity. Working hours, routines, equipment, and regulation may all have to change.
So what are the consequences of these higher temperatures for the world of work? How will governments, businesses and individual workers adapt?
Find out more
- International Conference on Occupational Heat Stress: “Implementation of Practices, Sharing of Experiences” — Conclusions and recommendations - May 2023
- Greening Enterprises: Transforming processes and workplaces — ILO Report - November 2022
- Working on a warmer planet: The effect of heat stress on productivity and decent work — ILO Report - July 2019
- World Employment and Social Outlook 2018: Greening with jobs — ILO Report - May 2018
Featuring
Guest

Nicolas Maitre
Economist in the Research department of the ILO
Host

Sophy Fisher
Senior Communication and Public Information Officer in the ILO's Department of Communication