Photo Credit (Pixabay)
- Lessening of the environmental impact
The environmental impact of countries is typically lower when the average number of hours worked is lower. The United Kingdom is currently using far more natural resources than it should. Taking a slower pace would free us from the wasteful consumption driven by convenience, which is harming our planet, and allow us to live more sustainably. - A more robust economy
An effective transition to a shorter work week will increase economic and social equality while decreasing reliance on debt-fueled growth, two essential components of a strong economy. The United Kingdom and the United States both have longer work weeks than Germany and the Netherlands, but their economies are just as robust, if not stronger. So, it would be competitive. - More competent workers
When compared to people who consistently put in more than 40 hours a week, individuals who work fewer hours are often more productive hour for hour. They constitute a more consistent and dedicated workforce and are less likely to be sick or absent. - Decrease in the unemployed
While the average number of hours worked per week has increased dramatically, this increase has not been distributed equitably throughout our economy. While some people are working nonstop, others are having a hard time finding any job at all. There would be more equitable distribution of paid and unpaid time if people worked fewer hours each week. - Enhanced health
Reducing stress and improving overall wellness and mental and physical health could be as simple as giving everyone more time to do what they want. We could all break out of the vicious cycle of consuming, working, and living if we only worked less. It would encourage introspection and gratitude for life’s little pleasures. - Greater parity between the sexes
At now, women put in more hours than men do doing unpaid work. A shorter work week should be the norm in order to revalue traditionally female-dominated occupations, encourage more equitable distribution of paid and unpaid labor, and alter cultural perceptions about gender roles. - More reasonably priced, high-quality daycare
A culture of excessively long work hours is a contributing factor to the increased demand for child care. Reduced expenses for full-time childcare would result from a shortened work week that would help parents better manage their time. Working fewer hours would allow parents to spend more time with their children, reduce the expense of childcare, and improve working conditions overall. Both parents and their children would gain from this chance for increased engagement in meaningful activities, exposure to other perspectives, and mutual learning and instruction. - More free time to spend with loved ones and fellow citizens
Reducing the amount of time spent working would allow us to prioritize spending time with our loved ones, whether that’s our parents, children, friends, or neighbors. These interactions are what truly make our lives meaningful and contribute to the development of a healthier society. - Getting the most out of retirement
The transition from working to retirement may be considerably easier and stretched out over a longer length of time if the work week was shorter and more flexible. People might cut back on their hours a little bit every year for ten years or more. Many people get sick or die young as a result of the trauma of going from working heavy hours to suddenly not working at all. - A fairer democratic system
We’d all be able to devote more time to learning about our communities, getting involved in local and national politics, asking important questions, and fighting for positive change.
