Can a four day work week shrink your carbon footprint?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The UK’s 4 Day Week Foundation reports that 200 companies have permanently adopted a four-day workweek with no pay cuts, benefiting over 5,000 workers
• Studies suggest working one day less per week can improve well-being while reducing carbon emissions
• Shorter workweeks cut commuting, lower office energy use, and promote more sustainable lifestyle choices

🔭 The context: Trials of a four-day workweek in the UK and other countries have shown improved employee health, retention, and productivity
• Research suggests environmental benefits, including fewer car trips and lower industrial energy consumption
• However, experts note that the impact depends on how employees use their extra day—frequent travel or energy-heavy activities could offset benefits

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Cutting one workday per week could significantly reduce carbon-intensive commuting and workplace energy consumption
• A study estimates that a shorter workweek could shrink the UK's carbon footprint by 127 million tonnes annually, equivalent to removing 27 million cars from the road
• Additionally, it could encourage sustainable habits like walking and cycling

⏭️ What's next: The 4 Day Week Foundation launched a new pilot in November 2024, with over 1,000 employees testing the model
• At least three more trials are planned for 2025, potentially expanding the movement further
• If successful, more businesses may transition to a shorter workweek, reshaping both employment norms and climate policies

💬 One quote: “Moving to a four-day week is not just good for the well-being of workers but also for the well-being of the planet.” – Joe Ryle, 4 Day Week Foundation campaign director

📈 One stat: Reducing the UK workweek by one day could cut CO₂ emissions by 4.2% and shrink an individual's carbon footprint by 14.6%

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