AGENDA FOR OR AGAINST THE FOUR-DAY WEEK

Following the world’s largest trial of a four-day working week, the vast majority of companies involved (56 out of 61) have chosen to continue with the new pattern. The idea is relatively straightforward: employees work four days a week and receive the same pay and benefits.

Proponents of the theory claim that a transformed economy no longer needs a five-day working week as it once did, allowing employers the opportunity to focus more on a culture of wellbeing and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. However, those against the shift are sceptical of whether it could improve or even maintain current productivity levels in the workplace.

To explore this further, we spoke to two members of the Sheffield business community who provided us with differing views on the subject.

I love the idea of a four-day working week, and I absolutely believe in the benefits to productivity and recruitment that can come from offering a good work-life balance.

I’m fortunate enough to have hosted a couple of four-day week trials and have observed other organisations do them. The feedback I received from the people who took on the trial were that they really appreciated and enjoyed it. I appreciate, of course, that they might have had a vested interest in making those short-term trials work and whether it is sustainable on a long-term basis still remains to be seen.

But to be honest, I think it’s quite sad that we, as a society, still view a four-day working week as such a big deal. We’ve come a long way in the last five years or so in our approach to finding a work-life balance, and I think the next generation will certainly continue this trend. I also believe the studies that show how we’re not productive all of the time; I’d say that we’re really productive for about five hours a day. There’s an issue in the fact that it doesn’t suit everyone’s working role or sector. For example, if you work in customer-facing services, then you have to be available at certain days and times. So I can see how for some organisations it could lead to potentially offering less of a service. As such, there are challenges here. The longitudinal aspect of this is that we don’t really know, but in my opinion, it seems to make absolute sense to explore further based on what we’ve seen so far.

The obsession with a five-day working week is essentially a social construct. Before that it was a six-day working week. There’s a school of thought out there that people working less than five days a week are part-time or somehow less committed to their work, but it’s clearly not the case. Hopefully the recent successful trials in the UK will begin to unpack these ingrained attitudes and examine them.

Gradconsult is an independent people and talent consultancy, with a particular specialism in the connection between employers and educators. Find out about what they do at www.gradconsult.co.uk.

I understand the potential of this in principle, and I can see benefits for employees with regards to feeling more refreshed and perhaps being more productive in a shorter timescale, but it just won’t work for some businesses.

We’re a small business, only thirteen of us work here, and being a manufacturing company means we’ve got saws running, deliveries that need to be made and customers sending enquiries all days of the current working week. To cut out a day would have a detrimental effect on customer service and some important jobs simply won’t get done in time. In this industry we’re heavily reliant on our suppliers – machine shops, heat treaters, test labs – and if I was to ask people to stop working on Fridays, I’m cutting 20% of my week where we might be dealing with those suppliers and keeping things ticking over business-wise. It is pretty much a given that most manufacturing companies are closed on weekends; we’re driven by our customers’ needs and as such we have plenty to get through Monday to Friday. Speaking from personal experience, when you first start a company, you’re trying to build up the brand, get the business in and attract fresh customers. If a customer asked if they could come and grab something on a Sunday, I would go in and open up. Thankfully, we’re in the position now where we’ve grown and can afford to be a bit more selective; but when you’re growing a business in this type of industry, you’ve got to do what you can, when you can. You can’t just say that you’re not going to touch anything for three days a week.

If we spread the shift patterns out, I suppose we could just about make it work on paper. But, ultimately, I think paying an employee the same amount of money to work fewer hours would mean that I’d have to employ more people to cover it. Perhaps a bigger company with 50 or 60 members of staff could make that work, but it’s not really a viable option for us.

Corrosion Resistant Materials are specialist technical materials suppliers based in South Yorkshire. Find out more at www.corrosion-resistant-materials.co.uk.

February, the month of love, started out with me attending one of the events I love, the ‘See It Be It’ Ambassadors meeting. This fabulous initiative run by Sheffield City Council is all about inspiring and encouraging young people into the world of work. It was really good to see so much passion around the table from businesses and individuals keen to invest their time and energy into truly making a difference: a big recommend from me.

From one super initiative to another, it was onto Support Dogs and their ‘Meet and Greet’ event. What a lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon, surrounded by dogs and meeting lots of new people. But these weren’t ordinary dogs, these were specially trained dogs that transform the lives of their owners. Once again, it was great to see so many businesses supporting this worthwhile initiative and sponsoring their own ‘company’ dog.

Still on a charity theme, I was delighted to be invited to the launch of The Cavendish Club at The Furnace. And what a turnout, standing room only – quite literally. More chairs required next time! A brand new ‘Women Only Network’ created by Erica Thompson, Natalie Wilson, Sarah Riley and Sinead McCall supporting Kirsty White and the team at Cavendish Cancer Care. Fun, fizz, food, and new friends – what’s not to love?

Next day, it was on to the first ‘opening night’ service at the Hideaway – a fairly new, local foodie destination – and what better way to tempt us in than free fondue? These guys really know the way to our hearts! It certainly seemed to work – a truly lovely atmosphere.

From two Fs (Fondue Friday) to three Ds – yes, our very own monthly 3D Connect session when we were wonderfully hosted by The Sheffield College. It was another packed house who were amazed to hear about The Sheffield College’s ‘Higher Skills, Higher Growth’ initiative that adds real value to students and businesses alike. A win-win for all involved! We heard from Force Contracts, St Luke’s Hospice and John Robinson, a college student himself, all sharing their own personal experiences of the project, as well as the College team outlining how it all works in practice.

Finally, another launch event… although for those of us who go back a ‘little while’ it may have been more of a relaunch. Yes, some of us can remember the days of The Business Network and the lovely Helen Bennett from almost 25 years ago! Just where does time go? Many thanks to David Heugh for the invite to the ‘new’ Business Network North at The Crowne Plaza. A great way to end the week and, of course, this wonderful month of love!

Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com.

What is your current role?

I am the Engineering Operations Manager at UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Fusion Technology Facility in Rotherham.

What does that involve on a day-to-day basis?

I create and manage operations and maintenance regimes for testing rigs to ensure that we can remain safe and operational. I am also involved in the design of new rigs with various companies to ensure that they can be adequately operated and maintained while keeping safety as the number one priority.

How did you get started working in STEM?

I completed an apprenticeship in fabrication and welding within the steel industry. I then worked as a fabricator at the wire rod mill. Over time I moved into planning and then a mechanical engineer role.

What qualifications did you take or gain along the way?

I gained an Advanced Apprenticeship, alongside industry specific training and a HNC in Mechanical Engineering. I am currently studying my BEng Hons degree in Mechanical Engineering and plan to begin a Masters degree next year following graduation.

Why do you love working in STEM?

I love that no two days of my job are the same. I have the fantastic opportunity to be involved in the future of energy production and be at the forefront of technology development. I love working within a brilliant diverse team with people that teach me new skills every day.

What challenges have you faced in your career? And how have you overcome them?

I have raised two children during my career, and balancing parenting and a career can be challenging at times. I have overcome this by having a fantastic support network and being able to work in a flexible

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