Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Short week could be a green way to work
A DUNDEE software firm could be helping the environment by adopting a four-day working week.
Animation studio Salamandra, based in the city’s Seabraes Lane, is among the companies taking part in large-scale UK trials.
And while the desire for a shorter working week might appeal to most employees, it could also be good for the environment, according to campaigners.
The 4-Day Week group claims a nationwide loss of one working day a week can lead to the equivalent of taking 27 million cars off the road.
The group – which is behind the UK trial – wants a typical full-time week to fall to 32 hours.
Salamandra CEO Christine MacKay hopes taking part in the trial will help the company 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 carbon emissions by 60% through a reduction in office use and commuting fumes thanks to 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.
Christine added: “We are really looking forward to taking part and seeing what we can learn.
“Even if it doesn’t work out, there will be things we can take from it going forward.”
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.
Campaign director Joe Ryle 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.
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 don’t 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 four-day 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.”
Joe accepts there are challenges, however. These include ensuring staff levels are adequate for round-theclock operations such as supermarkets and hospitals.