Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time.\nIt has a major impact on every aspect of our existence, and we are yet to learn\nto what extent it will transform our daily lives, not to mention the\nenvironment that surrounds us. There are many negative effects of climate\nchange: extreme heat and serious natural disasters pose new challenges for\ncompanies and employees alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the damage is done<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the first companies to respond to this challenge is the US tech company Fog Creek (now known as Glitch), which, following the increasingly violent storms of the hurricane season, decided to provide five days of paid leave to their employees in case weather conditions or emergency measures (e.g. evacuation) make it difficult or impossible for them to work<\/strong>. They explained their decision by emphasising that the safety of their workforce is of primary concern and these few days \u2013 which can be extended in the case of a state emergency \u2013 can help staff to ensure their own and their families\u2019 safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While climate leave is a desirable step in order to lessen\nthe negative impact of climate change on workers, it is only a sensible\ndecision if it is part of a \u201cgreen\u201d work package that also facilitates the\ncreation and maintenance of a sustainable and environmentally friendly office:\nthe option of climate leave can be supplemented by providing platforms for\nremote working, allowing colleagues to work flexitime or encouraging the use of\npublic transport and\/or carpooling among colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n