Written by: Samantha Jackson, Community Development Director of Housing and Homelessness at Valley of the Sun United Way, Vice Chair of Arizona Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Arizona is known for economic opportunity. But as temperatures continue to rise and extreme heat events become more frequent, business leaders are facing a new reality: heat is an economic issue that affects workforce productivity, business continuity, talent attraction and consumer behavior.
Heat Is a Workforce Issue
Arizona’s economy depends on people. From construction crews, healthcare professionals, hospitality staff and delivery drivers, thousands of employees work in conditions directly impacted by extreme heat.
When temperatures reach dangerous levels, businesses can experience reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, workplace safety concerns, and operational disruptions. Even organizations whose employees work primarily indoors are not immune. Commutes, childcare challenges, and utility costs all influence workforce performance.
Investing in community resilience ultimately supports workforce resilience.
Heat Preparedness Is Business Preparedness
Many corporations focus on cybersecurity, risk management, and operational continuity. Heat preparedness deserves the same level of attention.
Forward-thinking organizations can strengthen heat resilience by:
-Developing heat response and business continuity plans
-Educating employees on heat safety and preparedness
-Adjusting schedules during extreme heat events
-Supporting community preparedness initiatives
Why Businesses Benefit from Community Resilience Partnerships
Businesses do not have to do it alone.
Local nonprofits and community organizations are often on the front lines of disaster preparedness. They are part of established networks that help resources reach vulnerable populations quickly and effectively.
For businesses, partnering with nonprofits creates opportunities that extend beyond traditional corporate philanthropy.
Organizations that engage in community resilience efforts often experience:
-Stronger employee engagement
-Meaningful volunteer opportunities that strengthen workplace culture
-Increased visibility and credibility within the community
-Opportunities to demonstrate leadership on issues that directly affect Arizona’s economic future
Arizona’s Competitive Advantage Depends on Adaptation
Arizona continues to attract businesses, investment, and talent at an impressive pace. Yet long-term economic growth depends on the ability to adapt to emerging challenges and ensure communities remain places where people can live, work, and thrive.
Businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders each have a role to play. At Valley of the Sun United Way, preparedness begins long before an emergency.
Through United We Prepare, in partnership with Verizon, we’re working alongside businesses, volunteers and community organizations to help Arizona communities become more resilient to extreme heat. Together, we’re assembling and distributing heat relief kits filled with essential supplies, sharing heat safety resources and supporting people who face the greatest risks during Arizona’s hottest months – including older adults, families with young children, individuals experiencing homelessness and others disproportionately impacted by extreme temperatures.
This work demonstrates how businesses can move beyond responding to crises and instead invest in proactive solutions that strengthen the communities where their employees, customers and neighbors live.
Learn more about Valley of the Sun United Way’s Heat Relief efforts and how your organization can get involved through United We Prepare with Verizon by visiting vsuw.org/heatrelief.
