Pforzheim city administration plans to trial a compressed workweek, which extends weekend to four days.
Stadtwerke Pforzheim to Introduce Four-Day Week Pilot Project
In an exciting development, Stadtwerke Pforzheim has announced plans to implement a four-day week pilot project for its employees, starting from January 2024. This change is part of the company's ongoing commitment to exploring new working models and fostering a flexible work environment.
Under the new model, weekly working hours will be reduced from the current 39 hours to around 37 hours. The four-day week will consist of two free working days within a four-week corridor of 20 working days. The effective hourly wage will increase due to the reduced weekly hours, ensuring that employees continue to receive their current monthly salary with full wage compensation.
The pilot project is set to take place on Stadtwerke Pforzheim's premises, providing an opportunity to test the new model and assess its impact on productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall business operations. If the model is well received and all processes continue to run smoothly, the next step is planned to be the introduction of the four-day week for all employees.
During the development process, employees had the opportunity to voice their concerns and wishes, contributing to the final version of the model. The SWP workforce was involved in the discussions through rounds with management, the personnel department, and the SWP works council.
Stadtwerke Pforkeim's Head of Human Resources and Services, Ulrike Adam, expressed that the new four-day week model is not only intended for long-serving employees but also for future ones. The expansion of mobile work to 100% where possible, due to positive experiences during the pandemic, demonstrates Stadtwerke's openness to new working models.
As for the free working days, agreements will be made with the respective team to cover all working days. Supply security during the free working days will also be ensured.
While specific information about the benefits, impact, or future plans of this pilot project by Stadtwerke Pforzheim is currently limited, similar four-day work week pilots in other companies and municipalities have shown potential for increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and work-life balance.
Stadtwerke Pforzheim's Managing Director, Herbert Marquard, expressed appreciation for the work done in recent years and believes that the introduction of the four-day week will be positively received and implemented well.
- The new four-day week model at Stadtwerke Pforzheim, which is a part of their workplace wellness initiative, aims to improve employee satisfaction and work-life balance, with a potential for increased productivity.
- In addition to the four-day week plan, Stadtwerke Pforzheim is also expanding mobile work to 100%, demonstrating their commitment to health and wellness in the finance sector and promoting business agility.
- Citing the successes of similar four-day work week pilots in other companies and municipalities, Stadtwerke Pforzheim's four-day week project could lead to significant improvements in overall business operations and employee well-being, aligning with global trends in science and workforce management.
