Germany's government said that it was taking suggestions on how to adapt to summer heatwaves - including the idea of granting employees time for siestas - "very seriously" given the sharp rise in temperatures in recent years.

While Germany has not experienced the kind of temperatures that hit southern Europe this week, it has still sweltered in the high 30s (degrees Celsius), with Bavaria breaking the national record this year at 38.8C.

in response, Johannes Niessen, head of the BVOeGD public health officers association, said Germans should consider taking on the habits of people in the hotter climes of southern Europe in an interview published by the RND media network.

"Get up early, work productively in the morning, and take a siesta at midday," he said.

The World Meteorological Organization warned a heatwave in the northern hemisphere was set to intensify, increasing the risk of deaths linked to excessively high temperatures.

"People are not as efficient in strong heat as they are otherwise," Niessen added. "Moreover bad sleep in the absence of cooling in the night leads to concentration problems."

A government spokesperson responded by saying that such initiatives had to be "taken very seriously" against the backdrop of a "massive change in the summer temperatures."

He added that some workplaces, including those outdoors, faced serious challenges as a result of the heat.

"I do see this as a serious topic which will concern us for the coming years."

German health minister Karl Lauterbach said a siesta was "certainly no bad proposal" but employers and workers would have to negotiate this together.

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On holiday in Italy, Lauterbach tweeted that high temperatures had stopped him going on a day trip to Rome.

"My daughter would rather stay in the pool while I will read. Next try tomorrow."

The BDA employers association said more flexible working hours could allow employees to take longer midday breaks if it suited both parties.

Niessen also called for "sufficient fans and lighter clothing" - even if the attire rules for an office didn't allow it.

"A cold footbath under the desk would be another option to stay cool while working from home," he said.

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