The temperatures in Germany are high. This also affects the ability to concentrate while working. The German Medical Association is therefore calling for a new way of working.
It is already known from countries in southern Europe: the siesta, i.e. a longer break that people take from work during the day. The Federal Association of Physicians in the Public Health Service (BVÖGD) is now calling for such a working method to be introduced in Germany as well. The chairman of the association, Johannes Nießen, told the editorial network Germany (RND): Getting up early in the morning and working productively and then having a siesta at lunchtime is a “concept that we should adopt in the summer months”.
Heat in Germany: Siesta, airy clothes and cold footbaths
The extreme heat that is also prevailing in Germany these days can affect people’s performance, says Nießen. If the temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees at night, experts speak of tropical nights. On such nights, ventilation usually does not help to cool down the body. Some people sleep worse. According to Nießen, this in turn leads to concentration problems at work during the day.
The chairman of the medical association is therefore calling for other measures to take account of the heat situation in addition to a siesta way of working. “Sufficient fans” and “lighter clothing” are needed in the office – even if there is usually a different dress code in the office. Nießen also emphasizes that “drinking a lot more” is important in the heat, just as light food. The doctor gives a tip for cooling down in an interview with the RND: A cool footbath under the desk.
Rooms above 35 degrees are not suitable for working
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) also considers an adjustment to the heat in the working world to be unavoidable. Board member Anja Piel warned the RND that working in the heat is “stressful” for employees and “in the worst case, their health” is endangered. Therefore, she calls on all employers to prepare heat hazard assessments. According to her, such an assessment is neglected in most companies. This is “unacceptable” in view of the rising temperatures caused by global warming, according to Piel.
From a temperature of 26 degrees, employers are obliged to take measures to cool people down. The Stiftung Warentest refers to this with reference to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). If the values rise to 30 degrees, employers must take further measures to reduce the climatic stress. This includes, for example: removing warm printers from the workrooms, leaving the ventilation in the offices running at night or extending flexitime regulations.
An office is no longer suitable for working from a room temperature of 35 degrees – unless employers offer heat breaks or air showers.
More information: Heat and work: Can I get heat-free?
Sources used: editorial network Germany, Stiftung Warentest
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