Heat and Worker Productivity

Heat stress can make work slower or less productive, especially for people in outdoor and physically demanding jobs.

Researchers estimate these losses by combining heat measures such as wet-bulb globe temperature with occupational exposure and work intensity, then use economic models to assess their regional and global costs. One study estimated $41 in lost labor productivity for each tonne of carbon dioxide emitted in 2025, with especially high exposure across parts of Asia and Africa. Shade, water, breaks, cooling, and adjusted work hours are among the adaptations that can reduce workers’ exposure.