Impact of Heat Stress on Labour Productivity

Rising temperatures and more frequent heat extremes are affecting workforce productivity across industries and geographies. As climate change intensifies, organisations face growing risks from reduced labour efficiency, increased health and safety concerns, and potential disruptions to operations and supply chains.

Our latest Risk Engineering Services publication, Impact of Heat Stress on Labour Productivity, explores how heat exposure affects workforce performance and how we can help organisations quantify the economic impact across business activities and locations. By combining climate data with workforce profiles and operational insights, Swiss Re helps organisations identify where heat stress poses the greatest risks today and under future climate scenarios.

1. Reduced productivity due to heat exposure leading to fewer outputs within the same time frame
2. Increasing regulatory and operational constraints restricting outdoor work during extreme heat
3. Rising frequency and severity of heat events forcing companies to rethink and implement adaptation strategies