Shorten the Workweek and Reduce Emissions
At the height of the 2020 pandemic, many people around the world were instructed to stay home, which meant that where possible, they had to work from home too. While it was an initial adjustment for most, the environment thrived from people staying home.
With fewer people and cars on the roads, local animals felt safe roaming around cities for food or solitude. Air quality in most major cities improved significantly. Studies during that time showed a 17% decline in CO2 emissions, with the most significant reduction in the surface transport sector. The emissions from driving, flying and industrial output were dramatically reduced due to this standstill.
Unfortunately, this didn’t last very long because keeping people at home for extended periods is unrealistic. Eventually, cities picked up, and people returned to work and resumed everyday activities, reigniting pollution problems.
As we continue to look for ways to reduce our impact on the planet, many countries are looking to shorten the workweek and reduce emissions as a potential solution. Studies have found that reducing the workweek from 5 to 4 days can boost worker productivity, reduce burnout and could help the climate. Four-day pilot projects have already been carried out in Japan, New Zealand, the United States, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Iceland.
Studies show that when countries shorten the workweek and reduce emissions, they decrease carbon emissions in particular. The reduction in carbon emissions comes from the reduction in energy consumption in the workplace, lower emissions from commutes and a shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle. In the US, commuting to work makes up around 98% of a worker’s carbon footprint. Some companies are also looking to encourage more remote work and fewer business trips to reduce the environmental impact of commuting. By commuting less, workers will save money on fuel and car maintenance, save time and reduce frustration and stress from sitting in traffic twice a day.
Additionally, what people were doing on their days off was analyzed, as this could potentially impact the emissions. If people decide to go on a road trip or take a flight somewhere for the weekend, then this could actually contribute to the rise in emissions. Research shows that people choose to stay close to home on this extra day and spend time on hobbies, housework and self-care. These studies suggest that people will get used to a different lifestyle that is more environmentally friendly because they have more time. For example, people might cook at home instead of buying prepacked foods.
While remote work isn’t for everyone, and in some cases, it might not be possible, many are discovering that they enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility and autonomy that come along with it. The impact on the environment is also a huge benefit, and we could see improvements in air quality if adopted in more countries worldwide.
