After encouraging results from its 18-month-long trial, global consumer goods company Unilever will continue with its four-day working week for all New Zealand staff.
The trial, which ran between December 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022, involved all 80 staff and showed strong results against business targets, including revenue growth and most staff reported feeling engaged, Unilever NZ revealed today.
Individual wellbeing improved, with stress dropping 33 percent. Feelings of strength and vigour at work increased 15 percent, while work/life conflict fell 67 percent. Absenteeism also dropped 34 percent.
Cameron Heath, Unilever New Zealand managing director, said the four-day work week is an extension of Unilever’s commitment to a performance culture that drives triple bottom impact: people, planet and profit.
“We know our learnings will be useful at a time of change in the workplace, particularly as New Zealand moves through the headwinds of the pandemic, and as businesses embrace new and exciting ways of working,” he said.
“A high-performing business requires thriving people, and the need to attract and retain passionate talent is more critical than ever. It’s imperative for us to continue to deliver superior business performance, while also meeting the evolving needs and expectations of our thriving workforce.”
