Extreme heat is a business risk as much as a human one, shaping operational continuity, productivity and long-term resilience. However, according to the WEF, around half of companies globally have yet to make any assessment and just 28 per cent have piloted or scaled up interventions.

The WEF report, with the Boston Consulting Group, provides a framework for assessment, and outlines protentional solutions such as low-carbon cooling centres, hydration stations, reflective glass and roof adaptation that have helped companies reduce workplace incidents and sick leave. It cites one heat-management programme in Latin America that generated a 60 per cent return on investment.

Workforce Heat Resilience: An actionable framework to close the execution gap is available to download from the WEF site.

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