Our 4 Day Working Week

UPAC join the growing list of companies trialling the 4 day working week but as they have discovered its not always quite as simple as it seems.

After extensive research and trials, Packaging Supplier to the Food & Drink industry, The UPAC Group’s management team are set to formalise the four-day working week with employees remaining on full salary, full holiday entitlement and all the benefits of working at a truly incredible company.

The goal is to create the best possible working environment, inclusive of a work/life balance that makes The UPAC group the employer of choice for anyone who wishes to enjoy their career/job.

Trials have taken place over the last 2 months and have shown no evidence of any drop in productivity but a marked decrease in stress levels as the staff embrace the managements desire to quite simply, make their lives better. Whilst UPAC are far from the first company in the world to make this leap of faith we are certainly proud to be in amongst the front runners and as we start the long road out of the pandemic, the managements interest in its staff’s welfare is truly inspiring.

Patrick Harvey, co-leader of the Scottish Greens has advised businesses within Scotland to all make the move to a shorter working week saying that it ‘isn’t just good for workers and good employers, it’s good for our Economy too. Because when workers are paid a greater share, the wealth we all generate isn’t left sitting idly in tax havens or squandered on super yachts; it circulates in the real economy.’ He continued by saying, “More taxes are raised, helping to fund public services, and more cash is spent locally – in the shops, cafes, and restaurants that we need to see survive the current crisis.”

The term ‘4-day-week’, however, is a little misleading as it suggests the whole business picks a day and closes down for 24 hours. But in our 24/7 world, this was never going to be the case. We understand lots of our customers, especially those manufacturing for the food and drink industry rely on our operation being open for business every day of the week. Whether that’s for a last-minute delivery or an urgent branding projects, we must remain available to our customers.

We have been able to achieve this by the company increasing its staff headcount and cost base, whilst so many of our competitors are cutting back.

Although there will evidently be a cost to the company, management perceive this as less important than the welfare of its staff and understand that this money will be recouped over time through; improved productivity, less sick days, greater staff motivation and more importantly it ensures continuity for our customers- as it builds on the already staggeringly low staff turnover at The UPAC Group.

In the last few years, the company has split its targets to reflect both the bottom line and the staff welfare. A new gym was built within the head office facility, as well as improved canteen facilities. This has been reflected in a staff turnover of only 1% annually. This means customers are ensured of talking to knowledgeable staff who know their accounts and who understand their needs. This transcends all the way from a junior warehouse man to a driver, to the sales staff and sales support. We believe this makes the difference.

For our customers, they will see no difference. The company will continue to operate a five-day working week and will continue to keep service levels at the top of their priority list.

We hope more companies follow suit, but for now let’s all tip our collective hats to the management team at UPAC and say, with a sense of pride, Well Done UPAC.