Having moved to a 4-day in January this year, leading photonic printing solutions company, DataLase, has hailed the decision a complete success, which has provided them with various commercial and employee wellbeing benefits.
Not unlike other businesses considering a similar move, DataLase had spent considerable time looking at the implications of moving to a shorter working week, carefully weighing up the positives and negatives. It helped that the company usually completed its business by lunchtime on a Friday, so the transition would be made easier. On this basis, their senior leadership team made the decision and the company quickly established its new routine, closely monitoring the impact.
DataLase’s initial decision to move to a 4-day week was based on the premise of being able to accrue far-reaching positive benefits, particularly in terms of productivity and performance. It was anticipated that staff, who would be better rested and benefit from improved work-life balance, would see an improvement in their health and wellbeing, in turn improving absenteeism and contributing to an increase in motivation and productivity. Furthermore, it was believed that the change would make DataLase a more appealing place to work, showcasing competitive employee benefits and have a positive impact on recruitment and retention.
In conducting a review at the 6-month point, DataLase has found that not only had morale improved significantly, but staff were more relaxed and productivity had increased. The reduced week also helped lessen DataLase’s carbon footprint, with lower energy usage on the day the business is closed. Additionally, employees have had to do less travelling – a bonus given the current fuel prices and good for the environment too.
“For any company considering a similar move, I’d say – just do it,” said DataLase’s CEO, Clare Lewis. “Not only will it improve the morale and mental wellbeing of employees, it really makes a business stand out from the rest. It also helps demonstrate the company’s consideration for employee welfare and an improved work-life balance, which in turn helps to attract a greater talent pool from a recruitment point of view.
“I firmly believe this is the way forward and far more businesses should be adopting a 4-day week,” she added.
DataLase is officially accredited under the 4-Day Week Campaign’s accreditation scheme – www.4dayweek.co.uk/employers.
