The COVID-19 storm has passed but not without changing the world and indeed many aspects of our lives. One residual effect of the pandemic is remote work. It existed before but now has been normalised in workplace environments locally and globally. Employees are now able to work exclusively from home, while others opt for a hybrid arrangement in which some days are spent in office and the remaining days at home. Here, in Jamaica, the latter model seems to be embraced by the majority of organisations. However, are the effects of climate change, specifically rising temperatures, making those work from home days more uncomfortable?

Working constantly from home may be ideal for some, but several studies reveal that the extended isolation for others may have negative mental health consequences such as signs of depression and anxiety due to the social and emotional disengagement. The hybrid design, according to the research, has emerged as the preferred arrangement for most employees and employers, as it creates a fair balance between remote work and work from the office. Concerns regarding negative effects on productivity that initially arose were dispelled, as the pandemic provided the opportunity for organisations to experiment with different work modalities. In general, it was found that remote work has not necessarily resulted in lower productivity for companies. The fact that several companies in Jamaica have regularised remote work or the blended approach substantiates this point.

With the hybrid model, there are several advantages associated with the work-from-home aspect that are enjoyed by employees. These include the elimination of commuting time and traffic delays, travelling costs, and more flexibility in working hours. Studies have also shown that remote work induces a greater level of satisfaction in employees when compared with individuals who do not work remotely. However, with record high temperatures, are those work from home days getting intolerable? In Jamaican parlance, the heat is ‘not normal’. Do you find yourself sweating on those virtual calls when you are required to keep your camera on? Do you feel more drained at the end of the day? And do you find that your concentration is sometimes compromised? What impact could this have on one’s level of productivity?

According to studies conducted by Cornell University, the impact could be significant. Creating a comfortable working environment at home involves proper lighting, ergonomics, and the right temperature. The research underscores the importance of temperature and regards it as one of the most critical elements for productivity. It is explained that a room that is too cold or too hot can lead to physical discomfort as well as psychological effects. When the temperature is too high it can lead to feelings of lethargy and sluggishness. The study found that the right temperature can enhance cognitive functioning, improve one’s mood, and increase productivity. So as scientists predict continuous rise in temperatures, this will no doubt affect the way we live and work. The question is how are we, that is, employees and companies, preparing for this reality?

Below are some considerations suggested by experts:

For Employees:

•Investment in cooling systems — The good ‘ole fan is always a ‘go to’ but is the fan any match for the current sweltering heat? For those who can afford to, purchasing an AC unit is an option. Though more expensive, it is a sacrifice more persons are now contemplating; if not for work, certainly for a good night’s rest. But, in reality, how many employees in Jamaica would be able to afford this?

•Keep hydrated and take more frequent breaks to regulate your body temperature

•Dress comfortably and wear cool (lighter) colours

•Shift work schedules to commence earlier, with the aim to get more done before temperatures peak

For employers, the following could be helpful:

•The implementation of heat-related health and well-being initiatives, for example workshops on coping with heat stress and developing appropriate nutrition plans

•Introduce more flexible work days and work hours, for example, adjusting work schedules to fit with the cooler hours, a shorter work week, and shorter work day — this has been implemented in at least one European country during the hotter months.

Dr Curtis Sweeney is counselling psychologist at Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation. He is the author of the book Odyssey to Grace: A Memoir which presents an honest and engaging journey of a self-conscious, insecure boy who is visually impaired and who learns to re-frame his thoughts and focus on his abilities, instead of his disabilities, to become Jamaica’s first psychologist who is blind.