Athlone firm Tormeys Solicitors LLP has signed up to participate in a four-day working week European pilot programme.

All staff working hours have been reduced by one full day per week, with the same contractual rights remaining – including full pay and full statutory holiday entitlements.

Managing partner Tony Henry said: “We felt that with increased pressures on people in all areas of their life, ensuring staff wellbeing and work-life balance is the greatest gift we and any employer can give to their hard-working and dedicated team.”

Family day

The main goals are to provide all staff with better job satisfaction while increasing productivity, enhancing wellbeing, and ultimately ensuring a better work/life balance through a fully-paid ‘quality/family day’ every week.

Preparation work for the trial began last summer with an in-depth study of similar programmes in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, and South Africa.

After the relevant data and information were collected, the firm signed up for the European pilot programme, which began in February this year.

‘100-80-100’ model

The company will apply the ‘100-80-100’ model – all employees receive 100% of their pay for 80% working hours, while achieving 100% productivity for the company.

During the six-month pilot, staff will complete questionnaires before, during and after the programme. The confidential data will be collated and examined by experts at Boston University – the results will then be provided to staff.

To date, the project has been a success, and has received 100% buy-in from the entire company.

Staff member Katrina Dowd  commented: "I get to spend more quality time with my children."

The intention is to make the set-up permanent for all employees upon successful completion of the trial.