Cambridge business experiences productivity boost with nine-day work week

Implementing a nine-day working fortnight has proven to be a success for Cambridge company Te Miro Water, with increased productivity and happier staff reported by co-founder Britta Jensen. The company, specializing in flood hazards and stormwater modeling, allowed its employees to enjoy a three-day weekend every other week while still being paid for the full 10 days.

Jensen explained that the idea originated from her desire to work fewer days and place more value on the work output. Research on the benefits of a shorter working week supported their decision, showing that giving employees more time away from work led to better outcomes in their professional lives.

Surprisingly, the shorter weeks did not result in increased stress for the staff. Instead, there was a noticeable “buzz and energy” in the office on those days, with employees more focused and motivated knowing they had a day off to look forward to.

The success of the trial has not gone unnoticed, with other companies like Perpetual Guardian and Conqa also adopting the four-day work week model. Andrew Barnes, co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, reported productivity gains of 15 to 40 percent in companies that implemented this model.

Feedback from Conqa’s product manager Damen Hansen highlighted the challenges of adjusting to the new hours but emphasized the positive impact on employee happiness and the ability to attract new talent to the business. Overall, the trend towards a shorter work week seems to be gaining traction as companies prioritize employee well-being and productivity.