Data migration provider Wandisco this week introduced the option of a four-day working week for its more than 180 members of staff.
The business, which has offices in Sheffield and California, now allows all employees to put in a 40-hour working week spread over four days rather than five.
Their contracted salary and all benefits will stay the same on the shorter working week. While the majority of employees are expected to choose Friday as their default non-working day, the scheme is flexible and people can do whatever works for them.
Wandisco said it expects this shift in working model to boost productivity and increase wellbeing. With changes to working patterns as a result of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the new format will offer greater flexibility to all workers, the business said.
David Richards, chief executive and co-founder of Wandisco, said the switch to four days is a natural continuation of a trend to offer greater flexibility, increase business productivity and boost employee wellbeing.
“The pandemic has taught us many things, but perhaps none more important than the reality that we can work smarter, better and more efficiently, and that’s exactly what this move represents,” he said.
Anne Lynch, senior vice president for human resources at Wandisco, added that she is “delighted” to introduce the change and is “excited” to see the improvements it will lead to for the global team.
“By putting people first we will see enormous benefits in the long-run as a business, and we are proud to be rewarding the whole team for the levels of productivity and efficiency they have shown over the past two challenging years,” she said.
“By empowering our employees and giving them greater flexibility with their time, we believe we are creating the right conditions for business success now, and well into the future.”