Original offically accredited as Gold Member under the 4 Day Week Campaign scheme

The 4 Day Week Campaign announces they are proud to award Gold Standard accreditation to Original.

Original have been operating a 4-day week since June 2021.

  • The UK works longer hours than most of Europe.

  • It is not making us more productive.

  • It is making us Stressed, over-worked and Burnt out.

  • It is time for a 4 Day Week (with no loss of salary compared to a full working week).

  • The standard 9-5, 5 day working week is outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

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We all invented the weekend a century ago and are long overdue an update to working hours.

Original are now campaigning for a four-day, 32 hour working week with no loss of pay which would benefit workers, employers, the economy, our society and our environment.

Together we can build a society where we work and live.


Why do Original operate a four-day week?

Improving staff wellbeing and building a stronger business is one of the key pillars in Original’s values as a business. While a happy workforce is a noble aim in itself, we believe everyone benefits:

  • Productivity - numerous studies alongside trials by big companies such as Microsoft in Japan and Buffer in the US have shown that a four-day week boosts productivity. 

  • Innovation - rested minds are more creative to imagine and discover new and better ways to help run the Original business. 

  • Retention - a four-day week is a tangible incentive to improve job retention; reducing costs and disruption.

  • Sickness - one in four sick days are a direct result of overwork; whereas a four-day week reduces sickness-related absences.

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There are considerable broader benefits to the four-day week, that in alliance with all the Original stakeholders means we ensure we remain the most forward-thinking, ethical and socially-responsible company within our industry:

  • Sustainability - reduce the ecological footprint of our organisation by reducing commuting and carbon-intensive consumption patterns (like buying packaged sandwiches and take away coffees) on your fifth, non-working day of the week.

  • Care Friendly - whether for a young child, an elderly parent, or someone else with caring needs, having time away from work to care for those closest to you is of growing importance in our society.

  • Gender Equality - a more equal share of paid and unpaid work, including of caring roles.

  • Community Engagement - how an employee uses the extra time each week should be up to them, but the potential to see employees contribute in a more meaningful way to their local communities can lead to broader benefits for individuals and local areas.

 

It is increasingly recognised that a positive company culture is key to a successful business. Our four-day week is a powerful way to shape a positive ethos in the workplace:

  • Awareness - a greater awareness of workload and time management among staff is critical to scheduling, budgeting and delivering time-dependent projects.

  • Balance - learning to balance work alongside other aspects of life encourages sustainable and consistent performance.

  • Richness - what we do outside of work inevitably feeds into our work, so time to follow our interests, socialise and gain new skills and knowledge allows staff to return to work with enthusiasm and vitality.


If you would like to find out more please contact beOriginal@original.org.uk



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