Heat reduces workers' productivity — who is most at risk and what helps

The International Labour Organization warns that summer heat is already reducing workers' productivity, a trend with growing economic and health consequences. The findings were published on 11 August 2026 and outline temperature thresholds at which work capacity declines and the kinds of jobs most at risk.

According to the report, temperatures above 24–26 °C are linked to lower productivity, while at 33–34 °C a worker can lose up to 50 percent of their working capacity. Excessive heat exposure can also cause heatstroke and, in some cases, be fatal. The ILO highlights that both outdoor and indoor workers are affected.

Who is most exposed and what can help

Jobs involving heavy physical effort or work outdoors are especially vulnerable: agriculture, construction, waste collection, transport and tourism are singled out, while industrial workers in enclosed spaces can face similar risks. The report suggests that measures such as flexible working hours and more frequent breaks may mitigate the impact.

Jasminka Petrushevska, a general practitioner, warned about the immediate health signs and preventive steps: "Продуктивноста паѓа затоа што при високи температури, се намалува притисокот, се олабавува мускулатурата, концентрацијата исто се намалува. Ако луѓето почувствуваат некои симптоми, да не чекаат, ако малаксуваат, да се реагира веднаш. Треба да ги следат препораките. Лесна храна, течности да се внесуваат, посебно ризични се хронично болните."

The report also points to effects on mental functioning: episodes of "brain fog," reduced focus and concentration are common during heat waves. "Нормално дека жештината влијае на луѓето. Летото како е лето е многу топло, посебно овие денови. Навистина малку поанксиозни се луѓето, а кога влегуваме во септември, стануваат постабилни. Летото влијае и на менталното здравје," said Ildita Biljali, a psychologist.

Economic losses attributed to heat stress at work were estimated at 280 billion US dollars in 1995 and are projected to rise to 2,400 billion US dollars by 2030. The ILO notes that heat stress is more common in countries with deficits in decent work and that the hardest-hit subregions are expected to be South Asia and West Africa. Under a 1.5 °C global warming scenario, heat stress in these two subregions could lead to the loss of 5.3 percent and 4.8 percent of working hours in 2030 — roughly equivalent to about 43 million and 9 million full‑time jobs, respectively.

The report underscores the need for targeted prevention, employer adjustments and public policies to protect vulnerable workers as temperatures climb. Authorities and companies have time-sensitive choices on measures such as scheduling, hydration, cooling and medical monitoring to reduce both human and economic costs.

Photo: press material from the event