A family firm from Lancashire say they are switching permanently to a four-day working week, after a successful six month trial.
Surface Print, a wallpaper firm from Clayton-Le-Moors, has seen almost all its 63 staff working Monday to Thursday only during the trial, LancsLive reports.
The idea came when the business was considering how it could have its new roof fitted without impacting its output. The change has meant that the business has reduced its emissions, and saved on energy costs too.
The business, which has been running since 1990, spent time researching the move, from both its workforce and with expert advice from Preston-based employment, HR and health and safety firm AfterAthena, to give the trial the best chance of success.
James Watson, managing director of Surface Print, called it a “hugely successful shift” to the company.
“Everyone involved has been supportive and enthusiastic about the change. It means people get to spend more time with their friends and families with longer weekends, they see no decrease in wages, and we play our part in decreasing emissions.
“In addition, our customers see no difference in the products or deliveries.
“About 90 per cent of people have taken up the new pattern, but we still have colleagues who work on a Friday and do a five-day week, which we’ve accommodated because it suits their work/life balance.
“This process has all been about giving people options that suit them, and in turn supporting a reduction in emissions and creating a workforce that is very happy.
“And it means we have mitigated the increased costs we’ve faced for raw materials, energy and wages, including rises in the minimum wage, by reducing the impact on our overheads, without impacting the wages of our colleagues.”
Oli McCann, employment law and HR partner at AfterAthena, said: “As with many businesses, James and the team at Surface Print have had to navigate increased costs, and running a four-day week is something that benefits everyone.
“When looking at changes in work patterns, they conducted a thorough review, sought expert advice and have now delivered something that works for everyone and the business itself.
“What Surface Print has shown is that change can bring many benefits for everyone involved.”
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