KUALA LUMPUR: 4 Thirteen Group, a digital and branding agency, has given its employees every Friday off to achieve a better work-life balance.
Co-founder and chief executive officer Danny Gnaniah said the decision to move to a four-day work week was not easy, but the agency knew it was the right call.
"While it took a bit of getting used to it, we now reap the rewards and can definitively say the four-day work week works.
"I've seen first hand the positive impact it has had on the team – significantly increasing morale, momentum and overall efficiency," said Gnaniah in a statement.
The agency services various clients from different industries, from telecommunications, insurance, banking and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Gnaniah said when the agency made this decision, it wanted to take a bold stance against the crunch culture that has unfortunately become so embedded within the industry and many others as well.
"It may seem like a daunting task, but I urge others within the industry and across the corporate landscape to join us on the journey to improve work-life balance and to place greater emphasis on employee wellbeing," he said.
The decision for Fridays off was part of a lengthy effort within the company's core values regarding people and culture.
The team hurdled internal trepidation and concerns over client acceptance to push through the landmark decision.
The policy has already proven to be a rousing success, with staff reporting overall higher spirits and displaying a more eager attitude towards work – thanks to an additional day to rest and reflect on the preceding week.
4 Thirteen has also utilised this opportunity to invest in talent development and team building.