Pilot test: Unilever implements four-day workweek in New Zealand

The New Zealand subsidiary of the food and cosmetics giant Unilever announced on Tuesday that it will experience the four-day work week, no reduction in salary for employees, following a proposal to this effect by the center-left New Zealand government to revive the economy.

The group specifies that its 81 employees will be able to participate in this experiment, which should begin in December and will last a year. Depending on the results in New Zealand, Unilever could introduce the four-day week in other countries.

“Our goal is to measure performance against production, not time. We believe that the old way of working is obsolete and that’s no longer adequate, ”said Nick Bangs, CEO of Unilever New Zealand.

“Employees participating in Unilever New Zealand will keep their salary 100% while working 80% of the time,” the company said, noting that workers will have flexibility to determine “when and how they will work best in the new structure”.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in May introduced the option of switching to the four-day week to help revive an economy burdened by coronavirus restrictions, including a seven-week lockdown. And this has encouraged creative ideas that promote flexibility in the business.

Bangs highlighted renewed interest in a shorter workweek after the pandemic change the work culture in the office.

“We believe the old way of working is outdated and no longer appropriate,” said Nick Bangs, CEO of Unilever New Zealand.

Nick Bangs.

Managing Director of Unilever New Zealand

“This is an exciting time for our team, a way to validate the catalytic role COVID-19 has played in transforming practices in the world of work,” he said.

The company expects its employees productivity gain if you allow them more flexibility. The results of this experiment will be analyzed by the University of Technology in Sydney.

“We look forward to sharing the lessons of this experience with other New Zealand companies, hoping to inspire others to think about their way of working,” Bangs added.

AFP

ap