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Workplace adaptations

Workplace adaptations aim to protect workers and maintain productivity under changing climate conditions. These measures include flexible work arrangements such as remote work or adjusted hours during extreme heat, ensuring access to cool and well-ventilated spaces, and providing shaded areas and hydration for outdoor workers. Longer-term strategies involve improving building energy efficiency, integrating green infrastructure, and training employees and managers on climate risks and emergency preparedness. These actions reduce health risks, prevent heat-related illnesses, and help businesses remain operational during climate extremes.

Feasibility & Local Applicability

In Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Martin, workplace adaptations are practical and increasingly necessary. Tourism, construction, and outdoor service sectors dominate local economies, making heat stress a real concern. Existing labor regulations can be updated to include climate-related provisions, and many businesses already have air-conditioned spaces that can be optimized. Remote work options are feasible for administrative roles, while outdoor sectors can adopt flexible scheduling and shaded rest areas. Regional initiatives, such as those supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), provide guidance for integrating these measures into occupational health frameworks.

Co-benefits

Workplace adaptations improve worker health and safety, reduce absenteeism, and maintain productivity during extreme weather. They can also enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable building practices. By fostering awareness of climate risks among employers and employees, these measures contribute to broader resilience goals and support economic stability in climate-sensitive sectors like tourism.

Equity & Vulnerability Considerations

Special attention is needed for outdoor workers, low-income employees, and those in informal jobs who may lack access to cooling facilities or flexible schedules. Adaptation plans should include gender-sensitive approaches and consider workers with disabilities. Ensuring that all employees receive training and have access to protective measures helps prevent widening inequalities and supports inclusive resilience. 

Costs

Medium | Costs vary depending on the scale and type of adaptation. Simple measures such as hydration stations and shaded rest areas are relatively low-cost, while retrofitting buildings for better cooling or installing green infrastructure requires higher investment.

Case-studies & Examples

Literature

Adaptation Options Overview