The Walk Sharpens Focus On Productivity, Moves to 4-Day Week
Integrated marketing agency, The Walk, has moved to a 4-day week in a bid to become a more sustainable workplace where efficiency, productivity, and quality output are valued above time at a desk.
Part of a global movement guided by a not-for-profit organization, 4 Day Week Global, co-Founders Nick Cantor, and Jo Edwards made the transition at the beginning of August 2022, with eligible staff able to opt into the program.
Nick Cantor said:
Burnout culture is rife in marketing. Aside from the negative impacts on people, the quality of work suffers when staff is overstretched. Research shows a well-rested team motivated to achieve their best leads to greater productivity and better outcomes.
There is significant evidence from businesses around the world showing a sharper focus on efficiency and a mindful approach to minimizing wasted time improves performance, while reducing time at work.
In August 2019, Microsoft Japan adopted a 4-day week with impressive results.
- 2,300 employees participated
- Productivity jumped 40%
- Workers reported being happier and took less time off
- 9 out of 10 employees preferred a shorter week
- There were other economic and environmental benefits, such as a 23% decrease in weekly electricity use
22 organizations across Australia and New Zealand are taking part in the 6-month pilot program, including a diverse range of businesses across major capitals and regional centers.
Research is being conducted by the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, and Boston College, measuring the program’s outcomes on business productivity, staff satisfaction, and environmental and sociological impacts. A larger pilot involving over 70,000 workers is simultaneously underway in the UK.
How does it work? The 4-day week is based on the 100-80-100 principle: 100% remuneration, for 80% of the time, with 100% of the output.
Jo Edwards said:
We’re excited to offer this opportunity to our people. We’re already seen enormous personal benefits. Weekly surveys show a significant increase in satisfaction, and everyone is showing up ready to bring everything they’ve got to earn the right to have a 4-day week. The main factors to keep in mind are we cannot accept a reduction in output, or a drop in quality, as this makes the program unsustainable. People are focusing carefully on which work makes an impact, and which processes to discard.
The Walk will run the pilot until February 2023.
About The Walk
The Walk is a full-service integrated marketing agency. They will help you build your brand and attract and nurture the leads that grow your business.
