As France experiences increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, a debate has emerged over whether the country should adopt a 'single shift' work schedule during extreme heat events. The proposal, discussed by policymakers and business groups, would allow workers, particularly entrepreneurs and those in physically demanding jobs, to work a continuous shift starting early in the morning and ending before the hottest part of the day.
Proponents argue that this system, already used in some Mediterranean countries, could reduce heat-related illnesses and boost productivity. According to a 2025 report by the French Institute for Public Health, heatwaves caused an estimated 1,500 excess deaths in France in 2024, with outdoor workers and small business owners disproportionately affected. The French Ministry of Labor has not yet issued a formal proposal but has launched consultations with employer unions and worker representatives.
Critics, however, warn that a single shift could disrupt childcare arrangements, public transport schedules, and the service industry. A 2026 survey by the French SME Confederation found that 62% of small business owners support flexible hours during heatwaves, but only 38% favor a mandatory single shift. The debate is expected to intensify as France braces for another heatwave forecast for late July 2026.
