Unilever is trialling a four-day week in New Zealand
by
France Press agency
Published on
December 1, 2020
The New Zealand subsidiary of food and cosmetics giant Unilever announced on Tuesday that it would trial a four-day work week, without reducing employee salaries, accepting a proposal to that effect from the center-left New Zealand government to revive work. Economy.
The group specifies that its 81 employees will be eligible for this trial, which is supposed to begin in December and last for one year. Depending on the results in New Zealand, Unilever could introduce the four-day week elsewhere in the world.
Nick Bangs, CEO of Unilever New Zealand, said: “Our goal is to measure performance based on production, not on time. We believe the old way of working is dead and no longer fit for purpose.”
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in May floated the possibility of moving to a four-day week to help revive an economy burdened by coronavirus restrictions, including a seven-week confinement. We have encouraged creative ideas that will enhance flexibility in the company. The Labor Party leader was reappointed to her position after winning the legislative elections that took place in October.
Bangs said there was momentum for a shorter work week as the pandemic turned the office work culture upside down. “This is an exciting moment for our team, and a way to validate the catalytic role that Covid-19 has played in disrupting practices in the world of work,” he said.
The company hopes that its employees will become more productive if it allows them greater flexibility. The results of this experiment will be analyzed by the University of Technology Sydney. “We look forward to sharing the lessons of this experience with other New Zealand businesses, in the hope of inspiring others to think about the way they operate,” Bangs added.
Wellington, December 1, 2020 (AFP)
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