Stepping up to beat the heat: India Inc lines up cool work plans forstaff this summer

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

flexible work practices for white-collar workers, especially those in sales and field-related work, as rising summer heat poses health risks and threatens to sap efficiency. India is notorious for its scorching summers. Its weather office has warned that 2024 could be the country's hottest year on record.

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To shield employees from searing temperatures, several companies, including Panasonic, MG Motors and KPMG, have relaxed norms around work hours, meetings and dress code.

Some are encouraging online meetings and ensuring that offices have hydration stations and light nutritious food in cafeterias. Deloitte, Mudrex and PeepalCo are the other companies that are focusing on employee health and safety. Mandatory breaks during work hours and awareness campaigns on hydration and how to recognise signs of heat exhaustion are some of the other measures being implemented, as temperatures in some parts of the country soar past 45 degrees Celsius.

For companies like Panasonic Life Solutions India, summer brings in a burst of activity around sales of cooling devices for homes and offices. The company has asked its branch and on field sales professionals to keep their meetings for early mornings or the evenings to be able to avoid the heat. Employees are also encouraged to utilise