four day working week

Search engine marketing agency Marketing Signals has announced that its 24 full-time salaried members of staff will be able to work a four-day week as of next month.

The agency has added 30 minutes to each working day and removed one full day per week, resulting in the working week decreasing to 32 hours from 37.5.

It has also split the teams into two in order to still have a five-day coverage, with Mondays and Fridays being the fixed days off. One week staff will work Monday to Thursday, and the next week will work Tuesday to Friday.

According to the agency, the decision to implement this change came from the rise in cost of living, as one of the employees asked for a change in working hours due to the price increase of childcare fees.

The move, which will include no loss in pay or benefits and will focus on improving work-life balance, is part of its aim to prioritise working smarter, not harder, leading to a happier and more productive team. It will be an extra hook for recruitment for the business’ future goal of growth.

Gareth Hoyle, managing director of Marketing Signals, said that if Covid-19 has taught people anything, it is that it is key to look after ourselves first, ensuring that staff feel valued and understand life outside of work is just as important.

“This new model of work, which focuses on quality not quantity, will revolutionise the future of work and I’m excited we’ll be a part of it. We already measure our teams based on output, not attendance, and will continue to work flexi-time with our daily hours. The move will give my team the freedom and wellbeing to enjoy life. A good work-life balance is the key to a happy and healthy workforce which leads to loyalty, ultimately helping our business grow,” he said.