Global PR firm Grayling has begun a 4.5-day working week pilot in its Singapore office, which will run until the end of the year.
The trial will allow employees who have worked at the firm for more than a year to take Friday afternoons off in order to have a longer weekend, while also maintaining the same level of productivity and efficiency. A core team will be on standby every Friday afternoon to manage any urgent client requests.
The firm decided to implement the pilot following a consultation with staff and clients, who were supportive of the idea. Its aim is to attempt to raise productivity by improving employee wellbeing and satisfaction.
The pilot follows the Singaporean government encouraging employers to do more to adopt flexible-working arrangements where possible for their workforce.
Danny Tan, managing director of Grayling Singapore, said: “Work is an important part of our lives, but it shouldn’t completely define who we are and how we value our time. Anything that helps our team feel that they can live more fulfilling and empowered lives is worth trying. How can it be a bad thing to have consultants who show up more refreshed, more fulfilled, and ready for the demanding challenge of consultancy work?”
Other employee benefits offered by Grayling include flexible working, health and wellbeing support, learning, development and exchange programmes, new business bonuses and recognition awards. Employees in Singapore are entitled to paid annual leave, worker’s compensation insurance, paid sick leave and either 16 weeks of government-paid maternity leave or 12 weeks of maternity leave, and two weeks of government-paid paternity leave depending on whether the child is a Singapore citizen.