A Plymouth engineering company is planning to introduce a four-day working week for all staff.
Applied Automation, which supplies technical products to a range of industries, said the move would support employee wellbeing, improve work-life balance and foster long-term sustainable growth.
Under the new model, staff will work reduced hours across four days while maintaining full pay and existing benefits. The initiative will take effect from September 1.
The 40-year-old business will continue to operate five days a week, with a coordinated rota system in place. Applied Automation said all departments would remain fully staffed throughout the traditional working week, allowing the business to maintain "seamless" operations, customer support, and production output Monday to Friday.
“This is a progressive step for Applied Automation and one that reflects our belief that a happy, healthy team delivers the best results,” said David Rowe, managing director.
“Our people are at the heart of what we do, and the four-day week allows us to take better care of them while continuing to provide excellent service to our customers — with no reduction in availability or response times.”
The decision to move to a four-day week follows an internal review and a consultation period, which the company said had given them "full confidence" that productivity and service standards would "remain high".
“We’re proud to be taking a lead in modernising the working week,” added Paul Rowe, director. “By structuring teams to ensure full five-day coverage, we can deliver the benefits of flexible working to our staff without compromising the support and reliability our customers rely on."
Daniel Newcombe, the company's HR Manager said the company had seen "a hugely positive" response from employees across the business.
"The four-day week gives people more time to rest, recharge, and manage personal commitments — and that ultimately supports greater wellbeing, engagement, and performance at work," he added.
Applied Automation joins a growing number of forward-thinking Ƶ manufacturers and technology providers adopting flexible working practices to attract talent, retain skilled employees, and improve overall business resilience.
In July, the latest national four-day working week pilot, involving 17 companies and nearly 1,000 workers, ended with a 100% success rate.
All 17 companies decided to continue working a shorter working week at the end of the trial, which began last November and was organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation.
