How we boost productivity with a 4-day working week
Some of the world’s most progressive thinkers, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, are suggesting that businesses consider more flexible working options, including a 4-day working week, to help aid recovery from Covid-19.
Embracing the 4-day work week, it is suggested, could help to stimulate economies and encourage a healthier work/life balance.
These ideas have largely been met with excitement and positivity, but we’re already two steps ahead of the curve. Since embracing the 4-day working week in mid-2019, we have experienced positive results.
Flipping furlough economics on their head
The option to take either Monday or Friday off each week has encouraged a healthier work/life balance for our team which, in turn, has boosted productivity.
“We’re flipping furlough economics on their head,” says Lyndon, our CEO. “Rather than 80% pay for 0% of the work, we’ve embraced working 80% of the days for 100% pay.”
The Future Present team have become focussed to deliver their work across 4 working days, optimising their hours more efficiently than before.
The extra day off each week allows the team to rest and rejuvenate, allowing them to return to work with greater energy and enthusiasm.
“Productivity increases when you’re better rested,” says Nicholson. For the creative team in particular, each long weekend helps to boost creativity.
Our new working practice also has positive effects on the environment, with fewer commutes, fewer people in the office and less computer usage reducing the company’s environmental impact.
A post-Covid working life
Since coronavirus has completely transformed our working lives, the prospect of making radical changes to work practices seems a lot less radical.
“There will be some employers who will throw their arms in the air saying there’ll be a drop in productivity,” Lyndon explained, “but they’re looking at it the wrong way.”
To make the 4-day week work for us, we have transformed our relationship with our clients.
“We’ve shifted the focus of the company towards outcomes,” says Lyndon. “For our clients, this means we place a greater focus on a fixed price for a fixed output, rather than charging by the hour.”
For our team, the focus is now placed on the quality of work they do rather than the number of hours they work for. This has led to a steady increase in productivity.
Bucking the trend
The 4-day week is just one of the ways we are bucking the trend. Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to grow, in stark contrast to the thousands of businesses shrinking and laying off staff.
We are also still hiring, with 2 posts having been filled since the lockdown, and 2 positions actively being hired for now.
Perhaps, experimenting with new, flexible working habits can help other businesses to adapt and thrive in the post-Covid world.
Employees are demanding change. They want greater flexibility and control over not only how they work, but when.
Big changes are coming. It’s just a question of which employers will embrace them first.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can transform your presentations and increase your Business success.