The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Could a four-day week help save the planet?
The concept of a four-day working week caught the attention after trials in countries such as Iceland.
Now Dundee companies – such as software firm Salamandra – are shortly about to participate in large-scale UK trials.
But while the desire for a shorter working week might seem like a desire for lazy people, it could also be good for the environment.
Campaigners claim a nationwide loss of one working day a week can lead to the equivalent of taking 27 million cars off the road – so you do not have to feel guilty for wanting an extra day off.
One of the industries leading the foray is tech such as video game development, one of Dundee’s leading sectors.
I asked those behind the push for a four-day working week about how it might help the planet. The 4-Day Week group wants a typical full-time week to fall to 32 hours.
Joe Ryle is campaign director with the group.
He said the green benefits of reduced working hours would be fewer emissions linked to transport as a result of fewer commuting journeys and offices being closed for an extra day each week resulting in lower use of gas and electricity for heating, lighting and power.
Research conducted last year on behalf of the 4-Day Week campaign suggested a nationwide implementation would result in a 21.3% reduction in the country’s carbon footprint by 2025.
That is the equivalent of taking 27 million cars off the road, the researchers claim.
Joe also said trials across the world have shown people are more likely to become green-minded when they have extra time off.
“When they’re not just spending days off resting in a zombie-state, people can become more engaged in ways to make improvements where they can,” he said.
There are challenges, Joe accepts. These include ensuring staff levels are adequate for round-theclock operations such as supermarkets and hospitals.
“There’s a danger some companies not embracing it will get left behind,” he added.
Joe feels it is important firms looking to reduce hours consult with staff well ahead of a phased-in process.
And he warns companies who do not take the concept seriously will lose out on attracting the most talented workers.
Joe said: “Flexible working was shown to be very possible and successful during the pandemic.
“We’re confident a fourday working week is inevitable at some point.
“With automation and new technology, there is a diminishing amount of work.
“There’s a danger some companies not embracing it will get left behind.”
One industry embracing a four-day week is technology – a sector that is thriving in Dundee through the likes of video game development.
Software animators Salamandra are one Dundee-based firm taking part in a nationwide trial next month, organised by the 4-Day Week campaign.
It will be the biggest trial of its kind anywhere in the world.
Salamandra CEO Christine MacKay said it will help the firm reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by next year.
She said: “Our team is fairly young and focused on the future. We want to make as positive a difference as we can.
“If we can make ourselves more efficient in an eco sense, then that’s something to celebrate.”
The team estimates it has already cut its carbon emissions by 60% through a reduction in office use and commuting fumes thanks increased home working.
The six-month trial will see more than 60 companies across the UK taking part.
After it is completed, businesses will assess how it affects productivity — and whether a four-day working week can help us reach our climate goals.
The 4-Day Week group hopes these findings will help bolster its cause.