At R&B Switchgear Group, we’re always striving to create an environment where our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our 9-Day Fortnight trial, which will come into effect from W/C 4th March 2024.
As part of our commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance and embracing flexible working arrangements, we wanted to explore new ways of working that benefit both our employees and the company as a whole.
So, what exactly is a 9-Day Fortnight?
A 9-Day Fortnight enables employees to enjoy an extra day off every other Friday, allowing them to have extended weekends for rest, relaxation, and pursuing personal interests. This means that over the course of a year, employees benefit from an additional 26 days off, providing ample time to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
Despite this adjustment, there will be no reduction in remuneration for our team.
Why are we embarking on this trial?
- Enhancing Work-Life Balance: We recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. By introducing the 9-Day Fortnight, we aim to provide our employees with more time to unwind, spend with their families, or pursue their own hobbies and passions.
- Boosting Morale and Productivity: Research has shown that employees who feel valued and have greater control over their schedules tend to be more motivated and productive. By offering a flexible working arrangement like the 9-Day Fortnight, we believe we can enhance morale and drive greater engagement amongst our team members.
- Attracting and Retaining Talent: In today’s competitive job market, offering flexible working arrangements can be a key differentiator in attracting top talent and retaining our existing employees. We want to demonstrate our commitment to supporting our employees’ wellbeing and professional development.
- Reducing Environmental Impact: With fewer commuting days, our trial has the potential to contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions and environmental impact, aligning with our sustainability goals.
What does this mean for our customers?
Our offices will remain open 5 days a week, operating on a rota basis, and our team of field service engineers will continue to serve our customers 365 days a year. This trial will not impact our commitment to delivering excellent service and support to our valued customers.
What happens next?
During the 6-month trial period, we’ll closely monitor the impact of the 9-Day Fortnight on various aspects of our operations, including productivity, employee satisfaction, and business performance. We’ll gather feedback from our team members to ensure that the trial is meeting their needs and making a positive difference in their lives.
At the end of the trial period, we’ll evaluate the results and measure them against our preset criteria to establish the success of the 9-Day Fortnight. Should the trial prove successful, we will adopt the 9-Day Fortnight permanently.
Our ultimate goal is to create a working environment that supports the wellbeing and success of our employees, while driving the continued growth and success of our business.
We’re excited about this new chapter in our journey towards greater flexibility and work-life balance, and we look forward to sharing the benefits of the 9-Day Fortnight with you.
Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting trial!