Working four days instead of five would help to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions: a study confirmed
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousWorking four days instead of five would help cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly, as a recent study from the UK shows
The list of countries that are considering opting for the four-day work week or are already experimenting with it is growing. These include the United Kingdom and Spain, which recently launched a pilot project in which it proposed that companies only have employees work four days instead of five to reduce burnout cases, which have increased following the outbreak of the pandemic. The idea of working one day less attracts many people and, in fact, the advantages are numerous and not only because in this way you would have more free time and productivity levels would be higher, as revealed by some research.
Working only four days a week would also help fight the climate crisis because it would lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore, in pollution. A recent study conducted by the environmental organization Platform London and funded by the Alex Ferry Foundation has focused on this point.
Read also: Spain experiences the 4-day work week against burnout increased by Covid19
4-day work week: a strategy to reduce pollution
Working four days a week would mean making a huge gift to the environment. Research carried out by Platform London has focused on the United Kingdom. According to the study, the introduction of the short working week in Great Britain would lead to an emissions cut of 127 tonnes, or of 21,3% per year by 2025.
“The reduction would be greater than Switzerland's carbon footprint and would be equivalent to removing 27 million cars from UK roads,” the researchers explain.
@London Platform
In addition to reducing car carbon emissions, working 4 days instead of five would reduce commuting and improve the physical and mental health of workers. In addition, by working one day less, you have more free time to use in a range of non-polluting activities, such as volunteering and sports.
The other benefits for society
In short, the advantages of the shorter working week are truly manifold and not only from an environmental point of view. Working less means having more time to devote to other people and hobbies and therefore could help society to be happier and less stressed.
Moving to a shorter work week would help break the habit of living to work, work for
earn and earn to consume. - we read in the study - People can devote themselves more to relationships, hobbies and places. In this sense, a short working week could be framed as an investment in human capital, the contribution and creativity of all are required to imagine the sustainable future of society. The case of Utah (which experienced the four-day workweek for five years) has shown an unexpected growth in the world of volunteering. This confirms that many workers want to be more involved in the positive transformation process of society
Fonte: London Platform
Read also:
- In the UK, the 4-day work week is being thought of to limit the increase in post-coronavirus unemployment
- Spain experiences the 4-day work week against burnout increased by Covid19
