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The impact of temperature on manufacturing worker productivity: Evidence from personnel data

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  • Cai, Xiqian
  • Lu, Yi
  • Wang, Jin

Abstract

This paper presents novel evidence on the impact of temperature on daily indoor worker productivity in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment in China. Combining individual worker productivity data from personnel records with weather data, it documents an inverted-U shaped relationship between temperature and labor productivity. Workers do not increase avoidance behavior. The findings suggest that the economic loss from reduced manufacturing labor productivity due to ambient temperature is quantitatively important, providing new insights into the biological effects of climate factor on human labor. Further, back-of-the envelope calculations indicate that the estimated welfare gains from preventing extreme temperatures are substantial.

Suggested Citation

  • Cai, Xiqian & Lu, Yi & Wang, Jin, 2018. "The impact of temperature on manufacturing worker productivity: Evidence from personnel data," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(4), pages 889-905.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:46:y:2018:i:4:p:889-905
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2018.06.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Climate; Temperature; Thermal stress; Manufacturing; Labor productivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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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