After a successful three-month trial, a specialist search firm in Leeds will be switching to a four day week.
Charlton Morris have announced that their 93 employees will benefit from working across four days instead of the traditional five.
The changes will not affect their salaries, so each employee will receive the same pay as before the changes were made.
Following a successful trial, the company found that shaving off a working day improved motivation in the workplace and successfully encouraged a 'healthy work-life balance'.
Charlton Morris are introducing the wellbeing changes after a successful trial. / Image: Charlton Morris
Charlton Morris have had a successful comeback since the beginning of the pandemic. Despite being an industry deeply affected by lockdowns, the company took an incredible £9.2 million in the last financial year and placed 470 candidates in new positions around the country.
Their "new vision" of a four-day working week has been designed to give customers and staff "the best possible experience".
The Leeds firm announced that the changes come under a new employee wellbeing package that was designed with staff priorities in mind.
Back in 2018, the Great Places to Work UK placed Charlton Morris as the 16th 'Best Small Company' to work for.
There are plenty of examples where the four-day working week has positively benefited businesses around the world.
Microsoft Japan swapped back in 2019 and saw a 40% increase in productivity, as well as a significant reduction in office bills like electricity and printing costs.
According to a US report, 15% of all organisations in the states now offer the four-day work week to some of their employees.
Between work from home and all the other drastic changes that the pandemic has brought to our working lives, it's not surprising that the UK is joining the bandwagon and giving employees a flexible work-life balance.
Charlton Morris say that they are "proud to say that listening to what our people really wanted has helped us achieve exceptional success despite the trying circumstances".
The new four-day week will be rolled out in line with the employee wellbeing package.
Feature Image- Charlton Morris
Business
The Apprentice 2024 winner, Rachel Woolford, to open first project in Leeds with Lord Alan Sugar
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Sophie Smith -
9th November 2021 
