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Written by Hortense Battisti
Since 2023,Positive Company®has implemented the4.5-day work weekfor its teams. This organization allows employees to not work either Wednesday afternoon or Friday afternoon, depending on their preferences and personal constraints. Enshrined in employment contracts, this measure reflects a desire to sustain a more flexible work model, in line with modern expectations regarding work-life quality.
Beyond being a simple HR initiative, this system is part of a strategic approach aimed at reconcilingproductivity, employee well-beingandsocial commitment.
The benefits of a 4.5-day work organization
The reduction and reorganization of weekly working hours directly contributes to thebalance between professional and personal life. By having an extra afternoon, employees benefit from time during the week to manage personal constraints (personal or family appointments, hobbies) or simply to rest, thereby reducing stress and the risks of burnout.
This organization also represents an asset in terms of company performance. Contrary to popular belief, reducing working hours does not equate to a decrease in performance. In reality, a fulfilled and well-rested employee is often more productif.ve and motivated at work.
De plus, cette initiative renforce l’engagement des collaborateur.rice.s, qui perçoivent cette mesure comme un signe de reconnaissance et de confiance de leur employeur. Elle contribue également à fidéliser les talents dans un contexte de pénurie de main-d'œuvre qualifiée.
La semaine de 4,5 jours s’intègre parfaitement dans les objectifs d’une stratégie RSE ambitieuse. Elle répond notamment aux enjeux sociaux en améliorant les conditions de travail des salarié.e.s.
Déploiement et bonnes pratiques : les enseignements de Positive Company®
An adaptation included in the employment contracts
To ensure the sustainability of this organization, Positive Company® has chosen to formalize the 4.5-day workweek in theemployment contracts. This legal framework ensures that this measure is not perceived as a mere temporary benefit, but rather as a new work standard.
A personalized choice for employees
Each person can decide to place this non-working afternoon on Wednesday or Friday, depending on their individual preferences and constraints. This flexibility enhances the sense of autonomy and allows the organization to adapt to each person's realities.
Awareness and communication
Positive Company® also promotes this good practice within its ecosystem, among its stakeholders. This includes sharing the obstacles and levers that enabled effective implementation, the management tools used, and the challenges that were met after the first experimental period. Communication about this commitment is a key asset to engage other organizations in this collective change!
Conclusion: rethinking work time management to strengthen commitment
By incorporating the 4.5-day workweek into its practices, Positive Company® continues to engage in a continuous search for social innovation.
For companies, the question is not just whether this model is applicable, but rather how to adapt it to their own reality. One thing is certain: investing in the well-being of employees is, now more than ever, an essential condition for ensuring sustainable performance.