This annual shift not only promises an extra hour of sleep but also impacts various aspects of daily life, from technology settings to workplace schedules.
Understanding the shift: when and why
Daylight saving time will conclude at 3am on Sunday, April 6, 2025, marking the end of the daylight saving period that started on the last Sunday of September. Originating in 1927 in New Zealand, the practice has seen several changes and was even extended year-round during World War II as an energy conservation measure.
The primary reason for daylight saving time is to make better use of daylight during the evenings in the warmer months, which not only conserves energy but also offers more daylight for after-work activities.
How to manage your devices during the change
With the ubiquity of smartphones, many people no longer need to manually change the time on their devices as these often update automatically. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your device will adjust on its own:
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- Android Devices: Access the clock app, tap ‘more’, go to settings, and ensure ‘set time zone automatically’ is selected.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time, and toggle ‘set automatically’ to on.
- Samsung Smartphones: Navigate to settings, select ‘general management’, then ‘date and time’, and confirm that ‘automatic date and time’ is enabled.
Global observance and exceptions
While New Zealand has a long history with daylight saving, it is less common globally. Approximately one-third of the world’s countries implement daylight saving, primarily in Europe and parts of North America and Australia. Conversely, nations near the equator do not observe it due to the minimal variation in daylight hours throughout the year.
Daylight saving time leverages the longer daylight hours of summer to extend evening daylight, which can significantly reduce energy use and provide more time for leisure after work.
Workplace implications
The transition does not just affect one’s sleep or personal schedule but also has implications for workplace pay, especially for those working during the shift. The Time Act 1974 stipulates that workers should be compensated for the actual hours worked during the time change. For instance, if an employee works during the hour when clocks are set back, they are paid for that additional hour.
Additional reminders and safety tips
Beyond adjusting the time, daylight saving is an opportune moment to perform other routine safety checks around the home. It is advisable to test and replace batteries in smoke alarms and ensure they are free from dust which can cause false alarms.
As daylight saving time ends, its impact extends beyond just an extra hour of sleep. It affects how we use energy, manage our work schedules, and even how we maintain our home safety devices. This cyclical adjustment not only aligns us with the natural progression of seasons but also reminds us of the continuous interaction between our constructed schedules and the natural environment.
