Survey finds 70% dissatisfied with summer workplace temps in Japan

As we roll into another hot and humid summer, a new survey suggests that staying comfortable at work is a challenge for many employees, even though there's a growing awareness of heatstroke prevention.

The nationwide survey was conducted by Kaunet and involved more than 1,000 respondents, and found that only 18% of workers feel their workplace temperature is properly managed and comfy during summer. Around 70% reported some level of dissatisfaction, with temperature differences between offices, meeting rooms, and other workspaces cited as a common frustration.

Heat-related health concerns also remained significant. More than 40% of respondents said they'd experienced situations at work where they felt at risk of heatstroke, while over half reported similar experiences in their private lives. Outdoor activities were identified as the most common setting for heatstroke concerns outside the workplace.

As for at home, air conditioning use appears widespread, with around 70% of respondents saying they either switch on cooling as soon as they feel hot or leave it running continuously during particularly warm periods.