A pilot programme for employers to trial the effectiveness of a four-day working week has been launched today.
The Four Day Week Ireland campaign says the pilot can deliver positive results for businesses and provide the work/life balance employees want post-Covid.
Under the programme, employers will introduce a four-day week for their employees over a six-month period starting in January 2022.
The pilot includes business supports to help organisations explore flexible working smoothly and successfully.
These include a training programme developed by companies who have already successfully implemented a four-day week, coaching, mentoring and advice from four-day week business leaders, and networking and collaboration with other participant companies in Ireland and internationally.
The pilot is part of a collaboration with 4 Day Week Global, and will run on a coordinated, parallel basis in a number of countries including Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
The Four Day Week Ireland campaign includes the Forsa Trade Union, the National Women’s Council, Friends of the Earth Ireland, as well as a number of Irish businesses including ICE Group, 3D Issue, JMK Solicitors and SCL Sales Ltd., academics and global advocates.
Major Government-backed pilot programmes of the four-day working week are already being developed in Spain and Scotland.
A four-day week has already been successfully introduced in a growing number of companies worldwide, including in Ireland.
Commenting today, Joe O’Connor, Chairperson of the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, said: “In the last year we have seen radical shifts in our working practices. More flexible ways of working are here to stay.
"This year has also given people a chance to reflect on what they value most and how they want to manage their working lives, and so now is absolutely the right time to rethink, review and change the way we do things, and move to a four-day week.
"We know from international research that a shorter working week doesn’t mean a loss in productivity – in many cases, it is the opposite."
He added: “The launch of the four-day week pilot programme represents an exciting moment of change for employers and employees, and it’s up to the business community now to show that they are willing to lead and support this change for the better.
“Employers who have already introduced a four-day week have found that a shorter working week can benefit their employees physical and mental health, as well as bringing broader benefits to society, including by reducing carbon emissions and supporting gender equality. For businesses hungry for talent, a shorter working week can provide a competitive edge.”
Paul McNulty, CEO of 3D Issue, who have introduced a four-day week added: “When we offered the four-day work week, it was in the form of a bonus to our staff. At the time, we did not necessarily think that reducing staff hours would lead to an increase in sales and productivity, yet it did.
“Our staff are happier, more refreshed and more engaged in their work. Covid-19 has changed people's perspective of work-life balance and of the optimal working environment.”
