Heat at Work: One in Three Employees Report Severe Strain as Europe Debates Cooling Rules
Published on 07/27/2026 at 20:33 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
As thermometers across parts of Central Europe edge toward 40 degrees Celsius, the workplace is becoming a flashpoint for a different kind of tension — not over productivity, but over what to wear and how to stay safe. A new survey across five countries reveals stark national differences in office dress codes during heatwaves, even as unions push for legally binding protections that go far beyond wardrobe choices.
Swiss Stay Suited While Germans Strip Down
Market research firms Digitec Galaxus and YouGov polled more than 2,600 people in July 2026, uncovering sharp contrasts in heat-related workplace attire. Swiss men are far more reluctant to abandon formal dress: only 27 percent wear shorts to the office in hot weather. In Germany, that figure climbs to 38 percent, while in Italy just 16 percent do the same.
The top half tells a similar story. T-shirts are worn by 69 percent of German men at work, compared to 54 percent in Switzerland and 51 percent in Italy. Flip-flops draw particular disapproval in Switzerland, where 53 percent consider them inappropriate for the office. Closed-toe shoes are preferred by 56 percent of Swiss respondents, versus 46 percent in Germany. Among women, the gap narrows: 37 percent of Swiss women wear sandals to work, while 29 percent of German women do.
Extreme heat is putting pressure on employers to rethink workplace policies — not just on dress codes, but on fundamental safety obligations. Many UK businesses are unprepared for temperature-related risks and the compliance gaps they expose. A free Health & Safety Toolkit provides ready-to-use risk assessments and checklists to help you stay compliant with UK regulations. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
Where Employer Rules Meet Personal Rights
Can a boss actually dictate what staff wear when temperatures soar? Legal experts point to a balancing act between managerial authority and personal dignity. In Switzerland, Article 321d of the Code of Obligations allows employers to set dress codes, but this must be weighed against personality rights under Article 28 of the Civil Code.
Restrictions are generally permissible when employees deal with customers or when safety is at stake. For those without client-facing roles who do not disrupt workplace harmony, banning lighter clothing is legally harder to justify. Workers also have a right to be consulted when dress codes are drawn up.
Unions Demand Mandatory Cooling Breaks
The economic toll of extreme heat is substantial. Yasmin Fahimi, chair of the German Trade Union Federation (DGB), cites data showing each hot day costs the economy roughly 431 million euros. A DGB survey of 4,000 workers found that one in three feels severely burdened by heat. Among those facing tight deadlines or performing heavy physical labour, that figure jumps to 48 percent.
Fahimi is calling for a heat-related short-time work benefit and a comprehensive strategy that includes shading, free drinks and relaxed dress codes. The European Trade Union Confederation goes further, demanding mandatory cooling breaks modelled on those used at major sporting events. Three-minute pauses, standard at World Cup matches, should become routine, the group argues. It also wants binding maximum temperature limits and better access to shade and water.
The European Commission is currently examining whether to embed specific heat-protection rules into existing regulations. A proposed five-point heat protection plan includes a heat-related short-time work allowance for outdoor jobs and cool shelters reachable within a 15-minute walk.
As the debate over heat protections intensifies, UK employers should review their own legal duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. A free toolkit with nine practical tools — including risk assessments and director liability guides — helps you stay compliant and protect your workforce. Download the free Health & Safety at Work Act Toolkit
Cooling Cabins and Shorter Lessons
Beyond policy changes, technical fixes are gaining traction. Japan has developed the “Do Hiemon Box,” a personal cooling cabin for use on construction sites and in factories. The unit maintains a constant 15 degrees Celsius and, according to its maker, lowers body temperature effectively within ten minutes.
Cities are also acting. Vienna has published guidelines for external sun protection such as awnings and blinds. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the rules for “heat-free” periods have been extended to upper secondary school students through the end of July — when extreme weather hits, lessons can be cut to 30 minutes.
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