From 30 degrees Basel company shortening the working days in the heat at full pay

In response to the ongoing heatwave, the Swiss company Zweipack based in Allschwil, Basel, has shortened its employees' workdays when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius. The firm, which specializes in building maintenance, has reduced daily working hours from eight and a half to six hours during periods of extreme heat. This measure applies to all 17 of its staff members, who are now able to finish their shifts between noon and 1 p.m., rather than continuing into the afternoon. The decision was made after three weeks of continuous high temperatures, with only two days of regular working hours recorded since the start of the heatwave. According to business owner Mischa Blattner, working during the hottest part of the day is unproductive for both employees and the company. “After 2 p.m., everyone is exhausted and tired,” he explained. “Eventually, people get sick, which doesn’t help anyone.” Employees who work outdoors, such as gardeners, technical service workers, and cleaners, are particularly affected by the heat. One worker, Jill Hirschi, described the conditions as extremely challenging. “The sun burns down on the ground already early in the morning. I got a sunburn quickly. My shirt was already wet by mid-morning.” She called the shortened workday a “blessing” because it allowed her to finish earlier and avoid the worst of the heat. Another employee, Erol Ramazan, echoed similar sentiments. “You don’t have the strength to work under these conditions,” he said. “It’s not good to work when it’s this hot. That’s why we’re relieved we don’t have to keep going.” According to data from the Swiss Accident Insurance Company (Suva), the risk of workplace accidents increases significantly when temperatures rise above 30 degrees. Their records show a seven percent increase in occupational injuries during such periods. Experts explain that the body is constantly trying to cool itself, which can impair concentration and lead to mistakes. While there is no legal entitlement to heat-free days, employers are required to protect their workers from excessive heat. However, setting a fixed temperature threshold is considered impractical, as factors like humidity, sunlight exposure, and the nature of the job play crucial roles. At 33 degrees, the highest heat warning level is triggered. Blattner emphasized that the financial impact on his company has been minimal despite the shorter workdays. During the summer months, the firm focuses on essential tasks, such as cleaning staircases or watering gardens. Non-urgent jobs, like trimming hedges, are postponed until cooler weather. “If our contract requires us to cut hedges twice a year, we won’t do it on the hottest day of the year,” he said. Other companies in the region are watching how Zweipack handles the situation. Some may follow suit, while others might adopt different strategies to manage the challenges posed by rising temperatures. As the heatwave continues, the question remains whether more businesses will take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their workforce.