Many employees, employers support implementation of high temperature leave system
Nearly half of employers in Taiwan have expressed support for a high temperature leave amid strong demand from employees, according to a new survey.
The survey from job bank yes123, as reported by Taiwan News, polled over 1,000 employees and employers to determine the support for a hot weather leave system.
It found that 48.9% of companies would back the implementation of this system, where 44.3% saying they support it with "industry and occupation restrictions."
Only 4.6% support the leave "regardless of industry and occupation," according to the survey, as reported by Taiwan News.
The findings come as 9.48% of employees in the survey said the government should establish a high temperature leave system. Some 53.6% said they would support it with industry and occupation restrictions, while 41.2% would support it regardless of industry and occupation.
High-temperature subsidy system
Meanwhile, the poll also found that nearly all employees (96.6%) believe that a high-temperature subsidy system should be established. According to the employees, the average monthly stipend should at least by NT$2,338.
More than half of employers (58.6%) also expressed providing a stipend, according to the survey. However, they agreed on a lower average subsidy cap of NT$1,598.
The poll came as Taiwan experiences "unusually hot weather," according to the Taipei Times.
Cheng Ming-dean, former director-general of Central Weather Bureau, attributed the weather to higher sea temperatures around Taiwan.
Cheng said that the higher temperatures are affecting sea breezes. Combined with a strong Pacific high-pressure system, this is resulting in unusually hot and stuffy weather, with sunnier skies and low winds," the Taipei Times reported.
What can employers do during heat waves?
Yang Tsung-bin, a spokesperson from yes123, advised employers and managers to consider relaxing dress codes at work when outdoor temperatures surpass 35 C.
Organisations should also pay attention to heat hazards faced by outdoor workers, particularly for construction workers who often work under the sun.
According to Yang, employers should follow occupational health and safety regulations, provide rest areas and beverages, and reduce workplace temperatures.
They should also consider adjusting working hours, implementing heat illness prevention education, and establishing an emergency reporting mechanisms, Taiwan News reported.
