Employees at a Leeds company that has switched to a four-day week say it's improved their mental health, productivity, and motivation on the job.
Specialist search firm Charlton Morris introduced the change permanently at the end of last year, and workers have been left raving about the change's impact on work-life balance.
Employees said they've been more energised during work by having more time for themselves, and on top of that, Charlton Morris has seen a jump in revenue since the change.
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Sophie Waite, business manager at the firm, told LeedsLive: "For us it's increased everything. It's increased business productivity, it's increased our mental health and wellbeing. The balance makes you want to do more in every aspect of your life. It's made us all really want to come into work.
"No one is ever dreading coming into work - not that we were dreading it before, but it just makes it a lot easier to have the energy and be able to pick up on a Monday morning knowing that you've had that proper rest and been able to do what you wanted to do with your family and friends.
"We literally have seen no downside to it.
"I bake sometimes, and I do acting on the side, so it means I get to go and do that too. I can make more time with my family, now I get to see my dad on a Friday sometimes which is really nice."
Employees at Charlton Morris, on Boar Lane, have Friday off along with their weekends, but still work the same 9-5 hours Monday through Thursday with the same lunch breaks.
Unlike some firms that swap to a four-day work week - there are no extra hours involved.
Andy Shatwell, CEO of the company, and Rebecca Cook, Associate Director and Head of People, confirmed the positive impact the change has had for the business.
"It's 100% of the productivity, with 80% of the time for 100% of the pay," Andy said.
"It's going really well. Productivity is about 20% up, which is more than we had expected. We're hitting record numbers for the company, record numbers in revenue. Equally as important - engagement has increased, wellbeing has increased.
"People are reporting they're happier, healthier and more engaged. A lot of people seem to think it's too good to be true but us it absolutely isn't.
"I have three small children, so often my weekends are busier than my actual work week. On a Friday now I can take some time to myself or spend some time with my wife and actually unwind before the weekend.
"For parents like me it means I can spend four days working, two days all for my family and one day for a bit of time for myself."
Charlton decided to introduce the four-day week when employees started to come back into the office after working from home during the pandemic.
After a six-month trial, it announced the change would be permanent in November 2021.
Andy said several companies have already reached out to ask for advice in implementing their own four-day weeks.
For other employees, it's meant being able to delve into hobbies they otherwise wouldn't have had time for.
Harry Aaronson, business consultant, said: "It's been really good. It gives everyone so much more flexibility. I was able to sign for a rugby team that plays in Cornwall - and I would never have had the chance to do that otherwise.
"It's really opened doors I wouldn't have had. Now I can fly down on a Friday, play Saturday and come back Sunday. It just allows you to do things like that that are important to you. It's really helped a lot of people. I'd had to stop playing rugby and anywhere else it probably would have stayed that way."
Similarly, Rebecca, business consultant Nosheen Mahmoud, recruiter Abbel Kisanji and senior consultant Lucy Smith have had time to pursue their passions.
"It's been great. I've really enjoyed having that time to do some work around the flat, to rest, exercise and leisure," said Abbel.
"Every Friday now we organise five-a-side within the company and then I still have a whole weekend. Having that extra day really gives you chance to take care of yourself, and you feel it mentally as the weekend goes on.
"I feel really rejuvenated when I come back and really able to put all my energy into those four days. And everyone you ask about it here loves it. I remember how short the weekend felt before., I'm so grateful we've been given this chance."
Nosheen added: "I've been loving it. It's given me the chance to do things I wouldn't normally do. I'm really into baking and I hadn't had much time for that before because I was spending all weekend sorting life admin. I can nail a vanilla cupcake and chocolate brownies right now but I'm moving up.
"I have time for things I enjoy. It feels like I've gained something. I have extra time to invest into something I enjoy and I have time to wind down and invest in myself properly. And then I'm raring to go on Monday. It's truly given me that work-life balance. Everyone should do it."
A four-day working week was trialled by the government in several workplaces in Iceland between 2015 and 2019. Researchers found that productivity stayed the same or increased as a result and was an "overwhelming success".
It was announced in January that more than 30 firms would take place in a four-day week trial in the UK between June and December 2022.
"I was here before we made the switch, and going from five days to four days has made such a difference," said Lucy.
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"I can do all my life admin on Friday and clean etc and then take all that time for myself at the weekend. I get to go out and do more photography, and also make time to go on walks and things with family and friends.
"But mostly I'm just chilling. I live on my own so I now no longer spend all weekend thinking about when I need to clean the house. On a Monday I'm thinking 'I've only got three more mornings now until I can lie in!'
"I have that time to be mindful of myself and destress properly and get organised for Monday. I also think everyone bounces off each other nicely a lot more at work. It's so positive."
Every single one of the Charlton Morris employees LeedsLive spoke to was clear: they'd definitely recommend every business that can make the switch.
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