Synergy Vision’s four-day working week, which was launched in December 2018, has completed its six-month trial and will now become a permanent initiative.
A tracking survey completed by employees at the agency showed that staff were happier, less anxious and more productive following the introduction of the shorter week. Clients also reported no adverse impact following the introduction of the initiative.
According to the monthly survey, which was completed between November 2018 and May 2019, staff reporting happiness levels of seven or more jumped from 70% to 97%, with the proportion of participants strongly agreeing that they have a positive work-life balance rising from 23% at the beginning of the trial to 48% at the end.
The pilot changed employees working hours to 36 hours over four days, compared to 40 hours previously. Salary and holiday allowance remained unchanged.
“We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of the movement, particularly given the demands that our sector often puts on work-life balance,” said Eileen Gallagher, managing director, Synergy Vision.
“Obviously, delivering the difference to our clients is at the heart of Synergy Vision and we have shown that we can still do this”, she added.
The initial pilot was inspired by research identifying how benefit for staff and productivity have been achieved in other industries.