Published:
11:00 a.m. July 27, 2022
An Ipswich company switched to a four-day working week after a successful trial, where it saw a ‘crazy’ difference.
Recruitment consultancy Time Appointments noted that staff were “healthier” and “able to do more”.
Founded in 2006 by husband and wife Craig and Victoria Dade, the company has 16 employees in two offices.
Craig and Victoria Dade are the founders and directors of Time Appointments
– Credit: Date Time
Everyone in the company enjoys a four-day week, from receptionists to company managers, under a rotation system, with employees having four consecutive Fridays off, then four Mondays and so on. ie every few weeks, employees are granted four-day weekends.
Co-founder and director Victoria said: “We are still offering the same benefits that we have always offered and we have not adjusted any salaries.
“We decided to implement this because recruitment can be a very exhausting and difficult industry, especially where there are very few candidates available.
Time Appointments Staff Members Aisha Moussa and Victoria Butcher
– Credit: Vicki Dade
“We also believe that five days of work and two days of the weekend is not enough to really relax and get back in shape.
“We saw that many of our employees were burnt out, often ill and just weren’t as bright and bubbly as they could be.”
Victoria and Craig say they wanted to give back to the staff who have worked so hard during the pandemic and are now an accredited employer for the four-day week.
Victoria continued: “The difference we’ve seen is crazy. We’ve seen a massive reduction in illness overall, and people are just healthier because they don’t feel overwhelmed with just two days to decompress before going back to work. work.
Time Appointments employees are truly grateful for the four-day work week, and managers say it has improved their health.
– Credit: Vicki Dade
“People are happier and able to do more. Two of our employees gained further qualifications in a hobby they really enjoy, and I lost almost two stones.
“From a mental health perspective, this has been invaluable and has made a huge difference in everyone’s life.”
The business hasn’t suffered either, with Victoria saying her income has increased: “If you give staff five days, they’ll fill five days with the same work they could do in four days if they focused a little more.
“The staff are truly grateful for the four day week and have worked so hard to make it a success.”
