WANdisco has announced a permanent switch to a four-day working week for the business, becoming one of the largest tech employers to introduce the new working structure. It expects the shift to boost productivity and increase wellbeing of its 180+ employee base.
The company recognises the significant and permanent changes to the working patterns that have become a reality as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the new format will offer greater flexibility to all employees.
The move allows all WANdisco employees to choose to move to a 40-hour working week over four days, paid at the same contracted salary and all benefits staying the same. Fridays are expected to be the default non-working days for the majority of employees, but this scheme is flexible.
David Richards, CEO and Co-founder of WANdisco, said:
“It may feel counterintuitive to many business leaders, but a four-day working week is now an inevitable economic reality for us all – and it’s only a matter of time before many others will follow suit. We are proud that WANdisco is a pioneer in this area, and that we are keeping in step with the new economic and working patterns emerging from the pandemic.
“It’s worth remembering there’s historical precedent. In 1973, when UK commercial use of electricity was limited and forced a three-day working week, most people expected a proportional 40 per cent drop in productivity. Much to everyone’s surprise, productivity in fact went up, as people found ways to work effectively within the new time structure. What’s more, John Maynard Keynes predicted back in 1930 that the working week would be drastically cut, to perhaps 15 hours a week, thanks to technological advancements and changing priorities.
“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.”
Seven Hills is proud to support WANdisco as it takes a lead in reshaping the traditional working structure, and has helped to achieve coverage in the Financial Times, The Times and BBC Radio.