Following the launch of the new four day working week scheme, launched earlier this month, The Morning Advertiser (The MA) spoke to operators taking part in the initiative to understand why they are involved and how they think it may help them.
Held by the 4 Day Week Campaign, a non profit organisation launched in 2022, the pilot scheme was kick started in early November and included 17 businesses overall.
Crate Brewery bar, located in Silo London, is among one of the businesses enrolled in the trial.
The MA heard from people and communications manager at the site, Georgia Pearson, to understand more around how she believed the new scheme could benefit workers.
Reimagined ways of working
Pearson stated: “We saw this trial as an opportunity to reimagine our ways of working. Having the support of the Four Day Week Campaign and extended network of other businesses taking part, has given us the confidence to do this now.
“We really believe in the concept, and that four day working will be the societal norm one day, and we want to be ahead of the curve with that change.”
Speaking on how the scheme may aid members of the hospitality industry both in general and at Crate, she explained: “Our involvement is just the first step, but we are hoping we can test and prove the theory that a shorter working week is a win-win for hospitality businesses and employees.
“There are many thousands of talented hospitality professionals who don’t see longevity for their careers in the industry due to the nature of the work. A four day working could change that.”
Pearson also anticipated an uptick in applicants for vacant positions as well as a more streamlined and productive working culture as a result of implementing a shorter week.
In addition, she expected to find workers “happier and more engaged” overall.
Touching on employee response to the scheme, Pearson continued: “So far, participating employees have responded positively.
“After only one week we are hearing stories of more equally shared parental responsibilities, new hobbies and personal development opportunities.
Encouraging to see
“Concerns over planning the week to ensure cover and no loss of productivity have been met with a resolution focus - it’s really encouraging to see.”
Owner and operator of The Unruly Pig In Suffolk, Brendan Padfield also shared his opinions on shorter working weeks.
He stated: “We have operated a four day week for some time but we are a seven day a week operation.
“However, with so many venues now closed Monday and Tuesday, a four day week is sometimes easier said than done”
Despite many previous successful attempts at implementing shorter weeks, the latest motion for officially implementing the change has only received 20 signatures in total and has not yet been officially passed as legislation.
Previous experiment examples conducted in 2022 saw many businesses adopting the new work structure such as London based brewing company, Pressure drop Brewery.
The company previously told The MA they hoped to be part of “progressive change in the modern work environment”.
Other businesses that adopted shortened weeks also included The Assemblies in Bristol and Baron Pub Company both embracing lessened hours in order to benefit workers.
Director of 4 Day Week campaign, Joe Ryle, said: “on 4 November 17 companies, including around 1000 workers, began a six month trial of either a four-day week, a shorter working week, or a nine-day fortnight with the vast majority trialling a four-day week with no loss of pay for workers. Another 4 companies will begin trials early next year.”
Touching on the benefits of the scheme, he continued: “With 50% more free time and no loss in pay, a four-day week gives people the freedom to live happier, more fulfilling lives.”
Ryle explained as a result of the new trial, he expected to see decreased levels of burnout and stress among participants.
As was the case with trials in the past, he also predicted maintenance or improvement in productivity throughout the organisations involved in the trial.
He added: “The 4-day week has proven to boost recruitment and retention rates and improve the physical and mental health of those working the reduced hours schedule, which are all things that should have a direct positive impact on those working in the hospitality sector.”
Ryle also said the results from Crate Brewery’s trial of the 4- day week “could pave the way for a wave of shorter working weeks in the hospitality sector.”