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As the icy winter weather subsides, the U.S. looks set to once again see temperatures soar to blistering heights this summer. Yet this leaves American companies facing a mounting challenge: the impact of climate change on worker health and safety.
As extreme weather events become more frequent and temperatures continue to rise, scorching heatwaves and deteriorating air quality, coupled with the other adverse effects of climate change are reshaping the landscape of occupational health.
The urgency surrounding climate change is palpable among American workers, with 73% expressing anxiety about its impacts, as per the Net Positive Employee Barometer. A further 61% believe that their companies should take a stronger stance on environmental issues, indicating a significant misalignment between employer commitments and employee expectations.
In fact, according to a survey conducted in 2023 by the Net Positive Employee Barometer, spearheaded by former Unilever CEO Paul Polman, a staggering 51% of US workers stated they would contemplate leaving their jobs if their company's environmental actions did not align with their values.
Moreover, 35% had already taken this step, showcasing a growing trend dubbed ‘climate-quitting’. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 44% of Gen-Z and Millennial workers expressing willingness to quit their jobs over environmental concerns.
The implications of climate change on the workforce extend beyond mere job dissatisfaction. A study by KPMG in early 2023 revealed that one in three 18- to 24-year-olds had rejected job offers based on a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) record.
This growing sentiment among younger generations underscores the pivotal role environmental and social governance (ESG) plays in attracting and retaining talent, particularly among younger demographics.
However, despite mounting pressure for corporate action, a McKinsey report found that only 19% of companies across seven industries were addressing ESG concerns to retain, attract, or motivate employees.
Notably, North American organizations lagged behind their European counterparts in prioritizing environmental initiatives, reflecting a concerning trend of inertia in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
Nevertheless, there is cause for cautious optimism. Tom Lakin, Global Practice Director at recruitment company Robert Walters Group, highlights a growing trend of linking executive pay to ESG outcomes, signaling a top-down commitment to environmental stewardship.
Lakin emphasizes the necessity for HR professionals to embrace this paradigm shift, as companies vie to attract the burgeoning millennial workforce.
Through collective action and advocacy, workers can compel companies to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Allyn advocates for a holistic approach encompassing internal pressure, collaborative engagement, and constructive dialogue to effect meaningful change within organizations.
However, the specter of climate change poses profound challenges to workplace health and safety.
Extreme heatwaves, exacerbated by global warming, pose a significant threat to outdoor workers, emergency responders and those in hot indoor environments.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), rising temperatures heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory ailments, and vector-borne diseases.
The ramifications of climate change extend beyond physical health, encompassing mental wellbeing and productivity. Frontline workers, such as firefighters and healthcare professionals, confront the dual burden of physical exertion and psychological strain in the face of extreme weather events.
An additional 1°C of heat will limit the work hours of about 800 million people, according to a new study.
The study, which was published in the Cell Press journal One Earth early this month, examined the impact of global warming on the wellbeing of outdoor workers in the tropics.
"We show that under an additional 1°C of warming, ~800 million people in the tropics will live in areas where heavy work should be limited for over half of the hours in the year," the study said.
Looking ahead, it’s vital that employers take proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the workforce.
Early warning systems, workplace policies, and adaptive strategies can enhance resilience and safeguard employee wellbeing. Moreover, employers must prioritize training, education, and support mechanisms to equip workers with the tools to navigate climate-related hazards effectively.
