Nearly half of employees at Russian companies—about 48 percent—believe that work hours should be shortened during heat waves. This insight comes from a collaboration between HR Lab. HR Innovation Lab and the Health Academy platform, both affiliated with AlfaStrakhovanie Analytical Center, with findings reviewed by socialbites.ca. The study sheds light on how workers perceive productivity, safety, and comfort when outdoor temperatures soar and office environments become stifling. The takeaway is not simply about cutting hours; it is about crafting humane policies that protect health without sacrificing performance, especially in hot climates where heat can erode focus and efficiency over the course of a day. The data invites employers to examine not only schedules but also the broader ecosystem of workplace comfort, cooling capability, and adaptive practices that keep teams moving forward while respecting worker well-being.
Another notable point shows that 17 percent of respondents believe offices in hot weather already meet the conditions for a comfortable stay: reliable air conditioning, effective fans, and accessible water cooling stations. This signals that a sizable portion of the workforce feels confident in the physical setup that supports comfort during heat spells. Meanwhile, five percent say that employers go a step further by actively monitoring office temperatures to ensure adherence to sanitation standards and to prevent heat-related health issues. Such proactive temperature management mirrors best practices seen in many North American workplaces, where climate control systems and wellness protocols are part of standard operating procedures rather than optional add-ons. The implications are clear: when organizations invest in environmental controls and track conditions, they send a message that employee health is a top priority and that a stable, distraction-free atmosphere is attainable even on the hottest days.
Among those favoring a shorter workday on hot days, 52 percent advocate reductions of up to two hours. A further 21 percent propose shortening by as much as three hours, and about 14 percent request an additional day off to recuperate. Nearly six percent express a preference for remote work on particularly warm days. These preferences illustrate a common theme across regions: flexibility can be a powerful tool for sustaining productivity while safeguarding wellness. Implementing flexible scheduling might involve staggered start times, split shifts, or partial remote work on heat advisories. Employers who pilot these approaches often notice not only steadier performance but also higher morale and reduced burnout during heat waves, which in turn supports retention and overall team cohesion.
Across the board, workers articulate a clear threshold for what constitutes acceptable heat-related working conditions and what accommodations should accompany rising temperatures. In broad terms, the survey respondents emphasize the importance of reliable climate control, accessible hydration options, thoughtful breaks, and clear policies that link temperature management to health safeguards. These expectations align with evolving practices seen in North America and elsewhere, where companies adopt comprehensive heat management programs that combine physical controls, ergonomic planning, and policy flexibility. The findings point to a practical framework: prepare for heat with a mix of technical solutions, policy adjustments, and a culture that values employee vitality as much as output. The underlying message is that workplaces can stay productive without compromising safety when they approach heat as a manageable, designable element of the working environment.