Food and drink industry packaging supplier UPAC Group has introduced a four-day working week while still allowing employees to keep a full salary and holiday entitlement.
The Glasgow, UK-based business has made the switch after a two-month trial, which showed no drop in productivity and a decrease in stress levels. As a result, it will be increasing its staff levels to continue operating five days a week.
While this will incur additional costs, management perceive it as less important than the welfare of its staff, and believe that the money will be recouped over time through improved productivity, fewer sick days and greater staff motivation.
According to the organisation, the goal is to create the best possible working environment that is inclusive of a work-life balance to make the group the “employer of choice for anyone who wishes to enjoy their career”.
A spokesperson for The UPAC Group commented that while the business is not the first in the world to implement this, it is “proud” to be in among the front runners as it starts to emerge from the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, with the management's interest in staff’s welfare being “truly inspiring”.
“The term four-day week is a little misleading, as it suggests the whole business picks a day and closes down for 24 hours, but in our 24/7 world, this was never going to be the case. We understand lots of our customers, especially those manufacturing for the food and drink industry, rely on our operation being open for business every day of the week, whether that’s for a last-minute delivery or an urgent branding project,” the spokesperson said.
"We have been able to achieve this by the company increasing its staff headcount and cost base, while so many of our competitors are cutting back,” the spokesperson added.
