Blog
Four day week now in 3rd year for the MARL team
There are topical news stories at the moment about the UK companies that are adopting a four-day working week. MARL trialled working Monday through Thursday with increased, but flexible hours for the same remuneration early in the 2020 pandemic year.
This idea was received enthusiastically by the MARL Team as they immediately enjoyed the three-day weekend (very useful in the Lake District). It reduced commuting costs and time and enhanced work-life balance.
Image: Not a hive of activity at MARL on a Friday!
Anne Bullock, Assembly Operator, has worked at MARL for 38 years this year. Anne said “I work part-time, but as the team are working longer days this has given me more flexibility in my hours which I really appreciate. We have worked the occasional Friday during busy periods, having the Friday as additional hours when necessary has been useful.
Even after 2 years I still think it’s Saturday on Friday morning – it’s a lovely feeling when I realise the weekend is still stretching out before me! My daughter is off on Fridays so going out for lunch has become our tradition, it’s nice to have the extra quality time with my family.”
The pandemic did not impact greatly on MARL and because of the company ethos which celebrates quality, agility and integrity the Company was able to quickly adapt to the rapidly imposed and sometimes drastic changes in business culture.
Image: The MARL team, July 2021
The company implemented the four-day week as a permanent change in 2021 and has seen a number of positive benefits. Productivity has been enhanced and MARL is seen as a very attractive and forward-thinking SME which is also benefitting recruitment. It is also reducing service costs, especially electric usage and the three-day weekend helps maintenance schedules, as MARL is constantly investing to further enhance capability and capacity.
Oliver Brooks, Principal Engineer in our Design department, tells us: “We used to work 5 hours on a Friday, probably our least productive day of the week due to the short shift time. By extending our hours over 4 days we have the same amount of time to complete our tasks, we keep momentum up for all 4 days so we are definitely more productive!
I have a 50-minute commute so I really have gained my day back on a Friday. I’m currently renovating my home; having the 3-day weekend allows me plenty of time to focus on the renovation and make sure I take a rest day.”
