Companies are preparing for climate change. They are building seawalls around coastal facilities, relocating warehouses from flood zones, and building additional slack into supply chains to make them more resilient to climate shocks. But many companies overlook one area: the threat from climate change to employee health.
The Hidden Costs of Climate Change on the Workforce
Five actions organizations can take to prioritize employees’ physical and mental well-being.
July 29, 2024
· Long read
Illustration by Anuj Shrestha
Summary.
As companies prepare for climate change, many overlook the critical impact on employee health from events like wildfires, extreme heat, and flooding. This oversight can lead to significant financial costs due to increased healthcare expenses, reduced productivity, and decreased labor availability. To address these risks, companies should conduct health audits, implement early-warning systems, learn from public sector practices, support mental health, and maintain transparent communication. Proactively safeguarding employee health not only benefits workers but also strengthens public health systems and enhances corporate financial stability.