Germany‘s government said proposals to beat rising temperatures including introducing siestas and cold foot spas into the workplace should be taken “very seriously”.
The worst of the heatwave that has paralysed southern Europe has not reached the country though it has still had very high temperatures in the mid 30s with Bavaria recording a high of 38.8c.
Johannes Niessen, the head of the BVOeGD public health officers association, said Germans should follow the habits of people living in the traditionally hotter parts of southern Europe.
In an interview published by the RND media network, he said Germans should start to “get up early, work productively in the morning, and take a siesta at midday”.
“People are not as efficient in strong heat as they are otherwise,” Mr Niessen said. “Moreover bad sleep in the absence of cooling in the night leads to concentration problems.”
A government spokesperson said such initiatives had to be “taken very seriously” against the backdrop of a “massive change in the summer temperatures”.
He noted some workplaces, including those outdoors, faced serious challenges as a result of the heat.
“I do see this as a serious topic which will concern us for the coming years.”
German health minister Karl Lauterbach said a siesta was “certainly no bad proposal” but employers and workers should negotiate this together.
On holiday in Italy, Lauterbach tweeted that high temperatures had stopped him going on a day trip to Rome.
“My daughter would rather stay in the pool while I will read. Next try tomorrow.”
The BDA employers association said more flexible working hours could enable employees to take longer midday breaks if it suited both parties.
Mr Niessen also called for “sufficient fans and lighter clothing, even if the attire rules for an office don’t allow it.”
“A cold footbath under the desk would be another option to stay cool while working from home,” he said.
