Japan faces soaring summer temperatures, prompting companies to adopt heatstroke countermeasure remote work policies. With temperatures hitting 35°C or higher even before summer officially starts, many workers struggle with exhausting commutes. Public concern grows as heatstroke risks rise sharply during daily travel.
Trinity Inc., a smartphone accessory maker based in Niiza, Saitama, has led efforts to protect employees by recommending remote work on days with severe heat risks. The company launched its heatstroke countermeasure remote work initiative in 2022, after an incident where their president helped an elderly woman who collapsed outside the office due to heatstroke. Following this, several staff also reported health issues related to commuting in extreme heat.
Initially, Trinity Inc. based remote work days on a forecast of 39°C or higher. However, unpredictable weather led the company to switch in 2024 to a more accurate heat stress measurement. Now, they use the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index, which considers temperature, humidity, and heat reflected from surfaces. When the index hits 33 or above, employees receive notice to prepare for remote work the following day.
The Ministry of the Environment’s heat index forecasts guide the company’s decisions. On heat alert days, employees who prefer to work remotely can stay home, reducing their exposure to heat and crowded trains. Trinity’s workers report feeling less exhausted and more focused thanks to these measures.
Moe Takechi, part of Trinity’s PR team, highlights the benefits, saying remote work has eliminated her discomfort from hot, crowded commutes. Still, some employees must be present in the office for tasks like product testing. Additionally, some find remote work challenging due to home environments or adjusting to new routines.
Beyond Trinity Inc., heatstroke concerns affect many workers nationwide. A 2024 survey by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare revealed that 25% of commuters experienced or nearly experienced heatstroke during their journeys. Nearly half reported increased commuting compared to the pandemic years, with many noting that temperature swings between indoors and outdoors lowered their work performance significantly.
As Japan faces hotter summers, companies like Trinity set examples with heatstroke countermeasure remote work policies. These efforts prioritize employee health and productivity in a warming climate.
