A LISBURN firm which introduced a four-day working week without cutting staff salaries believes it now has a competitive edge in attracting new talent.
Global conveyor belt and rubber parts manufacturer, Smiley Monroe, introduced a four-day working week at its Co Antrim production facilities over a year ago.
The company has since rolled out the policy at its offices in India and the United States.
Now the Lisburn manufacturer has lent its voice to calls from the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) and Timely Careers for other businesses in Northern Ireland to do the same.
It comes as the campaign group ‘4 Day Week’ prepares to launch its second four-day working week pilot this November.
The first pilot in 2022 resulted in 90% of participating firms choosing to implement the policy permanently.
The second trial run comes during a period of record low unemployment in the north.
Official statistics body Nisra last week announced the Northern Ireland unemployment rate had fallen below 2% for the first time.
The tight labour market has made it more challenging for manufacturing firms in the north to address skills shortages.
Jayne Peters, director of people and culture at Smiley Monroe said: “For us, it is about prioritising our employees’ well-being and work-life balance.
“That’s why our four-day work week, with no reduction in salary, isn’t just about reducing hours.
“It’s about ensuring our people have the time and energy to fulfil family commitments and enjoy life, all while maintaining their productivity and job satisfaction.
“This approach not only gives us a competitive edge in attracting talent but also aligns with the shifting expectations of today’s workforce.”
LRA chief executive Don Leeson said the north’s employment landscape is evolving rapidly.
“Our Department for the Economy is consulting on making the right to request flexible working a day one right in its ‘Good Jobs’ consultation and the new Labour government is preparing to extend this right even further to introduce a default ‘right to flexibility’.
“Therefore, this is a pivotal moment for local businesses to evaluate their readiness for, and willing to consider, flexible work arrangements in all its forms.
“With the UK four-day week campaign driving the second trial this autumn, the timing feels right for NI businesses to explore this and see if it could be a good fit for their operations.”
Woman in Business chief executive, Roseann Kelly, has also backed the trial.
“Any initiative that encourages businesses to improve their flexibility is advantageous for both the company and its recruitment efforts,” she said.
“We have found that employers who consider flexible working requests are better positioned to attract and retain a diverse range of talent. This is not something to be avoided or feared.”
The upcoming four-day working week trial, includes a number of options, such as a shorter work week, flexible start, and finish times, a nine-day fortnight, and compressed hours, where employees work the same number of hours over fewer days.