Shoreditch-based interiors brand House of Hackney appeared on BBC London Evening News after announcing earlier this year that it has permanently moved to a four day-working week, without any reduction in pay for staff, and has been accredited as a ‘Gold Standard’ four-day week employer under the 4 Day Week Foundation’s employer accreditation scheme.
The company now operates a 32-hour, four-day work week with no reduction in pay for its 44 staff members.
Sam Dent, managing director at House of Hackney, said: “As part of our journey to become a regenerative business, we are passionate about finding ways to deepen physical and emotional connections to nature.
“‘Nature Fridays’ is our opt-in four-day working week policy that increases the amount of time available to our team to spend quality time with nature throughout the year.
“We’re so excited to roll out the policy and support the 4 Day Week Foundation.”
The foundation’s Employer Accreditation Scheme officially recognises permanent four-day week employers in the UK.
House of Hackney describes its mission as inspiring people to protect our common home by bringing the beauty of Nature into theirs.
The four-day week model has grown in popularity worldwide since the Covid-19 pandemic, with multiple studies indicating it improves productivity and employee wellbeing.
A trial by Microsoft in Japan saw productivity rise by 40 per cent after switching to a four-day week.
Earlier this year, the 4 Day Week Foundation reported that more than 200 UK companies employing over 5,000 workers have permanently adopted the model.
The vast majority have reduced working hours to 32 hours a week or less, with no loss of pay.
Among the largest adopters is Atom Bank, a digital challenger bank with more than 550 employees.
Joe Ryle, campaign director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, said: “Congratulations to House of Hackney for becoming one of the first major retail firms to adopt a four-day working week.
“With 50% more free time, moving to a four-day week gives workers the freedom to be able to live a happier and better life.
“And as hundreds of British companies have already shown, a four-day week with no loss of pay can be a win-win for both workers and employers.
“The 9 to 5, 5 day working week was invented 100 years ago and no longer suits the realities of modern life.
“We are long overdue an update.”
