In 1930, famed economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that within his lifetime, the future economy would be powered with a quarter of the effort. In a hundred years, he wrote, humanity would actually be confronted with the problem of too much leisure time, and what to do with it. Technological innovation meant that we could accomplish whatever needed doing in a 15–hour workweek, and we'd be endeavoring "to spread the bread thin on the butter," distributing what little work was necessary as equally as possible. Today, despite massive gains in productivity, and thanks to unrepentant consumerism, Keynes's prediction couldn't have been further off. In 1991, sociologist Juliet Schor found that Americans in the early '90s were working 163 more hours than they were in 1973. But now, economists (including Schor) are considering a perception of time that actually makes sense for a post–industrial clock. In a recent book published by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), called Time on Our Side, they examine why a 30–hour workweek would be a more rational, efficient, and sustainable approach to the modern, developed economy. Most importantly, they say it's totally doable––and big companies could even play a key part. Wouldn't people prefer to spend more time doing things other than working? Three years ago, NEF's head of social policy Anna Coote proposed the 21–hour workweek during the Ghent TEDx conference. As a "rallying cry" to suggest radical change, the idea earned a fair share... Continue reading at 'Fast Company'
[ Fast Company | 2013-10-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Written By: Benedicte Page Publication Date: Tue, 31/05/2011 - 11:30 New Cross library remained closed on its scheduled final day of opening, Saturday 28th May, because of council fears that protestors would occupy the building. A council notice fixed to the shutters told library users: "We... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-05-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Written By: Charlotte Williams Publication Date: Wed, 25/05/2011 - 09:55 A new Jamie Oliver title, Jamie's Great Britain, will be coming from Michael Joseph this September, containing more than 100 new recipes from around the country. The title, to be released on 30th September, will tie into... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-05-25 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Written By: Lisa Campbell Publication Date: Thu, 10/03/2011 - 15:22 Christian book wholesaler STL Distribution is cutting a quarter of its 124-strong workforce following poor sales. The Carlisle-based company said 30 positions will be affected, with only around 5% of employees opting for... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-03-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Written By: Lisa Campbell Publication Date: Fri, 18/02/2011 - 16:30 Book wholesaler Gardners has begun consulting with independent booksellers over the direction of its consumer website, with one option revealing that booksellers could earn as much as 30% when books are sold at their full RRP.... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-02-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Apple kept mum on its highly anticipated digital subscription plan during a press conference today at the Guggenheim in New York City announcing News Corp.'s new tablet publication The Daily (which is available in the App Store as of noon Eastern), but News Corp. Continue reading at Folio Magazine
[ Folio Magazine | 2011-02-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Written By: Benedicte Page Essex county council has vowed not to close any of its libraries, or to cut back its mobile library destinations. But consultation is to begin next month on proposals to reduce opening hours to 54 of its 73 libraries. Jeremy Lucas, cabinet member for heritage, culture... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2011-02-01 00:00:00 UTC ]
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