The Germans should emulate the custom of southern Europe from siestas during frequent heat waves, says an association of public health officials. The minister of Health German responded favorably to the suggestion on Tuesday, but said the decision rests with companies and employees.
Although Germany hasn’t suffered from the temperatures that have scorched southern Europe this week, the thermometer has hit above 90°F (30°C) at times this summer, hitting 101.8°F (38.8°C) in Bavaria on Saturday. Since then the temperature has dropped.
Still, summer temperatures have been hot enough for the head of the BVOeGD association, which represents public health officials across the country, to propose that the country reform its work habits during heat waves.
“When it is hot, we should orient ourselves towards the working methods of the southern countries. Waking up early, working productively in the morning and taking a nap at noon is a concept we should embrace during the summer months.”Johannes Niessen told the RND press group in remarks published on Tuesday.
“People are not as efficient in strong heat as at other times”he added. “In addition, sleeping poorly due to lack of cooling during the night causes concentration problems.”
Germany does not have the custom of the long afternoon break that is common, for example, in Spain.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach tweeted that “napping in the heat is certainly not a bad idea”but added that the government will not intervene in that discussion.
“Employers and employees should negotiate it on their own”wrote. “It certainly makes medical sense in many professions.”
Source: AP
Source: Gestion
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