M·E·L Research Announces 9-Day Fortnight Trial to Enhance Employee Wellbeing and Productivity
We are excited to announce the launch of an innovative work schedule trial – the 9-Day Fortnight. This initiative, beginning from the 1st January 2024, will allow staff to enjoy extended weekends each fortnight while continuing to receive full pay. This is not a condensed hours arrangement – staff will have an additional 26 days of leave each year and will work fewer hours overall.
The trial’s impact on our team, our clients, and project outcomes will be thoroughly reviewed via a baseline set of internal and external measures, and again at six months before considering a long-term implementation.
“MEL Research Ltd has always been committed to innovation and excellence, not just in the services we provide to our clients but also in how we support and value our team. We’re not afraid to make big decisions and to take a test and learn approach.
The introduction of the 9-day fortnight is a reflection of this ethos. We believe that by adopting a work schedule that prioritises our employees’ well-being and work-life balance, we are not only reinforcing our commitment to our team but also enhancing our ability to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. When our team is healthier, more balanced, and motivated, they bring their best selves to their work, which in turn leads to higher quality, more insightful research solutions for our clients. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to being an employer of choice and a reliable, innovative partner to our clients.”
Karen Etheridge, Managing Director
Recent official data has highlighted a concerning trend in the UK workforce. The period 2022/23 saw a staggering 35.2 million working days lost due to work-related ill health, with nearly 24 million of these attributed to stress, anxiety, and depression according to the Health and Safety Executive. The rise in employee sickness absence, noted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), marks the highest level in 15 years, with approximately 76% of respondents experiencing stress-related absences.
In this context, and supported by our own extensive experience of employee experience research for clients, our innovative work model aims to offer numerous advantages:
Reduced Absenteeism: The 9-day fortnight is expected to reduce unscheduled absences by providing employees with extended weekends, allowing more time for rest and recovery.
Improved Mental Health: Longer breaks will serve as a buffer against stress and burnout, offering employees additional time to recharge and fostering better mental health.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance: The new schedule promotes a healthier work-life balance, giving employees more time for personal activities, family, and relaxation.
Boosted Productivity: Contrary to traditional models, this compressed work schedule could lead to increased focus and efficiency, as employees are motivated by the prospect of an extended weekend.
As an employer, we recognise our fundamental duty of care towards the health, safety, and welfare of our team. This pilot initiative of the 9-day fortnight represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to improve mental health and well-being in the workplace. By prioritising employee well-being, we aim to foster a more productive, motivated, and satisfied workforce.
If you would like to discuss our new approach in more detail or if you would like to understand how M·E·L Research can support employee satisfaction and employee experience research at your organisation, please do get in touch on our contact page or using the form below.
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