Portcullis Legals has switched its entire workforce to a four-day week – one of a handful of businesses across the globe to do so.
The team of nine dedicated staff is led by Managing Director Trevor Worth, who has been researching the benefits of a four-day week for the past year.
The entire team has also been given a pay rise – to stave off concerns that the change in hours might just be a cost-cutting exercise.
The move has sparked media coverage at home and abroad – including articles in Mail Online, Metro and the India Times – as well as closer to home at Plymouth Live.
Improved customer service
After an initial trial of five months, the four-day week is now ready to be fully implemented at Portcullis, where similar benefits are already being found – and improving the experience customers have with the firm.
Mr Worth said: “I’ve contacted businesses far and wide to find out the benefits and pitfalls of the four-day week, working with academics and industry leaders to find out the best way to apply the four-day week to Portcullis.
“The response has been extraordinary and there’s a real passion to help other firms achieve a happier working week for their staff.
“The initial results have been heartening – our team is happier and our customers are receiving a better service.”
Better motivation
The shift to working four days a week means that Mr Worth has been able to rework the opening hours so the offices at Dean Cross in Plymstock are open later in the evening, while still being open five days a week.
Mr Worth, who started the business as a 23-year-old, added:
“This means that our valued clients can contact us later in the evening, which is often more convenient.
“Our staff have been more motivated and productive – I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make it work and provide an even better service for customers, and a great working environment for our team.
“Values and purpose are very important to us, as is the wellbeing of every team member.”
Happier and more productive
The shift to working four days a week means that Mr Worth has been able to rework the opening hours so the offices at Dean Cross in Plymstock are open later in the evening, while still being open five days a week.
The popularity of the initiative has spread across small, medium and even multi-national firms around the globe in recent years.
Successful schemes have seen employees working fewer hours but are far more productive with their time – meaning they are often happier, more motivated and driven to succeed.
A study of a trial at a New Zealand financial firm found workers were 20% more productive – improving both profits and staff wellbeing.
Yasmin Serter of the Client Services Team, said:
“The bedding-in period and new working patterns has taken a while to get used to but as a team we are definitely better rested and more motivated.
“That means we really look forward to coming to work and meeting the people we’re trying to help – which can only be a good thing for the service we provide.”
Portcullis has been helping people across Devon and Cornwall with wills, trusts, probate and powers of attorney for more than 30 years from our innovative Law Store in Plymstock.
Portcullis Legals – which has won a string of awards including two-time winners at The Herald Business Awards – focuses its service on being friendly and free of jargon. Its progressive approach puts its customer service and staff at the forefront of the operation.
For more information call 01752 401401 or email us