Summer heat outlook: Four ways to protect employees  

June 05, 2025

According to NOAA’s seasonal temperature outlook for June to August, warmer-than-average conditions are likely in much of the country. While we’ve come to expect record-breaking summer heat in the west and the south, the map shows that higher temperatures are also predicted in some far northern areas. That may create special challenges for residents not accustomed to – or prepared for – extreme heat.

Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be life-threatening, triggering sudden events like heart attack or stroke. But the less-obvious impacts of extreme heat are also concerning. It can worsen existing medical conditions, like COPD, asthma, and diabetes, and negatively impact mental health, potentially leading to increased irritability, anxiety, depression, and even psychotic episodes. Extreme heat is known to elevate the risk of accidents and infectious disease transmission.

Workers already feel it. In our most recent global survey of workers, Health on Demand, 20% of employees in the US say that extreme weather has worsened existing health conditions. For 19%, high temperatures have made it difficult to get enough sleep, which can lead to productivity and safety issues. And 21% report having anxiety over extreme weather events,

Four employer actions that can make a difference

1. Assess employee risks.  Do you have employees in locations at a higher risk for extreme heat? Do any employees work in non-climate-controlled environments? What percentage of employees have health conditions that put them at greater risk in extreme heat? In locations that have historically rarely experienced extreme heat, how common is it for employees’ homes to have cooling systems? In areas with prolonged high temperatures, can all employees handle higher utility bills? Do they face heat risk commuting to work on public transportation? Each of these factors can greatly impact the risk your workers face – and help guide your strategy for providing meaningful support.
2. Provide appropriate support for workers exposed to heat. To effectively support workers exposed to extreme heat on the job, employers should focus on both protection and prevention. Policies and practices to protect employees from heat exposure include ensuring access to cool water and electrolytes, providing frequent rest breaks, and creating designated cooling areas. Additionally, training and education on heat-related illnesses and prevention is crucial, along with monitoring work conditions and reporting any concerns.
3. Communicate with managers and employees to raise awareness and promote safety. You don’t have to start from scratch – take advantage of free tip sheets from the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health. There is a version for employers and a separate tip sheet designed just for workers.
4. Promote community resources. During extreme heat events, a variety of resources may be available in your local communities, including cooling centers, local libraries, shopping malls, and community centers, as well as access to energy assistance programs and home weatherization services. These resources help individuals and families find respite from the heat and manage their energy costs during hot periods.

Thoughtful planning and communication strategies can go a long way toward providing support to workers during extreme heat and have a positive impact on worker health and productivity. As we saw during the pandemic, employers that do the most to support employee health and well-being during crises earn loyalty and engagement.