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Offer remote work during heatwaves

Cut heat exposure by giving your team more flexibility.

CoolMaps › Cool Tips Pro › Offer remote work during heatwaves

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Quick answer

Allowing remote work during heat alerts reduces heat exposure during commutes and gives each employee control over their thermal environment — at no direct cost to the employer.

Allowing remote work during heat peaks reduces exposure tied to commuting — often at the hottest hours of the day — and gives each person control over their own thermal environment.

2xless commute-related exposure

+perceived productivity

$0direct cost to the employer

🔬 Why it works

Commutes — crowded transit, a car with no A/C, walking — are often the most exposed part of the day. Avoiding them during heat alerts meaningfully reduces health risks, especially for vulnerable employees.

✅ Key benefits

Reduces heat exposure during commutes
Gives everyone control over their environment (fans, shutters, schedule)
Builds trust and shows employees they're cared for
Zero infrastructure cost for the company

🛠️ Getting it done

Set a clear trigger threshold (e.g. an official heat/extreme-heat warning)
Communicate the policy in advance, not at the last minute
Identify roles that can't go remote and plan alternative measures for them
Stay flexible on hours too (see the 'Adjust working hours' tip)

💡 Good to know: this is one of the least costly measures on this list — it mostly comes down to a clear policy communicated ahead of time.

⚠️ Don't forget employees whose role doesn't allow remote work (production, front desk, on-site staff) — plan compensating measures for them (schedules, breaks, cooling stations).

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