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Extreme Temperatures and Non-work at Work

Author

Listed:
  • Ignacio Belloc

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • José Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • José Alberto Molina

    (Departamento de Análisis Económico, Universidad de Zaragoza)

Abstract

Understanding the determinants of worker effort is central to Economics, as even small changes in productivity can have significant implications for economic growth and labor market performance. This study examines the relationship between extreme temperatures and work effort—proxied by non-work time while at the workplace—using data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) for the period 2003–2019. Results indicate that extremely hot days (≥ 100ºF) are related to increased time spent at work not working, particularly among women in non-supervised occupations. On these days, women in non- supervised occupations spend 6.79 more minutes at work not working compared to comfortable temperature days. Men, by contrast, do not exhibit significant changes in non-work time at work. Furthermore, the results align with increased worker bargaining power during economic expansions, which facilitates labor supply adjustments on extremely hot days, and with hypotheses regarding adaptation and acclimation to high temperatures in warmer countries. These findings underscore the relevance of temperature as a determinant of worker effort, reveal a previously overlooked margin of labor adjustment, and highlight the moderating role of occupational supervision in shaping behavioral responses to environmental stressors.

Suggested Citation

  • Ignacio Belloc & José Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal & José Alberto Molina, 2025. "Extreme Temperatures and Non-work at Work," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 1092, Boston College Department of Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocoec:1092
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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