Staff at a technology consultancy have reported widespread improvements to their productivity and wellbeing as a result of the company implementing a four-day working week.
THRYVE, an emerging and critical technology recruitment business based in London and operating across the German market, introduced the shorter week model in 2021 and has seen numerous benefits. As well as a 31.9 per cent boost in sales, the firm’s customer satisfaction ratings based on service quality and delivery have increased to an unprecedented 100 per cent.
THRYVE’s Managing Director, John Lennon, saw the value in the initiative after conducting extensive research into its rollout in other organisations around the world. Internal surveys asked staff about their habits, ways of working, and their mindsets. The company spent six months introducing productivity training prior to the implementation.
John says, “Beyond the hype of implementing a shorter working week, the appetite for changing traditional working practices remains low. The reason for this, I believe, is a lack of publicly available evidence to support the business case for its introduction.
“But as we emerge from the disruption and uncertainty of the last two years and enter the post-pandemic economy, now is the time for business leaders to rethink their existing working practices in a way that will reposition them for future growth.
“That is precisely what the four-day week working model can do.”
Critical to the success of the four-day week model for THRYVE has been the positive impact on staff mental health and wellbeing. After just three months, 84 per cent of staff reported a significant drop in work-related stress and 94 per cent say that they have a far better work-life balance. Nine in ten (89 per cent) stated they have become more productive.
John continues, “The last two years have highlighted the need for employers to take greater care of their people, both in the context of providing psychological security and supporting their mental health.
“After all, at a time when employer demand is high and talent availability is low, business growth depends on it. Our experience has shown that the benefits and returns generated by adopting a four-day week business model significantly outweigh those of not doing so.”
For more information on THRYVE, please visit: https://www.thryvetalent.com/.