Following a successful trial period, Olvera Advisors has made a transition into a 9-Day Fortnight for staff.
Olvera commenced a trial of the 9-day fortnight on 1 January 2024 after overwhelming support from team members. The principals at Olvera also noticed an uptick in the general happiness and well-being of the team, together with a renewed enthusiasm to deliver client outcomes and improve productivity requirements.
What is the 9-day fortnight work initiative?
A 9-day fortnight allows an employee to work a full-time schedule for 9 days within a two-week period, compared to the usual 10 days working days. This flexible arrangement thereby allows employees an extra day off every two weeks.
In a 9-day fortnight, employees distribute their usual working hours over nine days instead of ten. This may involve extending their daily work hours or taking a shorter lunch break. Because of its wide success, the 9-day fortnight arrangement is widely practised among companies worldwide.
Why we’ve transitioned to 9-day fortnight
We believe that happy employees are more passionate about what they do. By moving towards a flexible work schedule, Olvera aims to foster a work environment that encourages our staff to thrive. The 9-day fortnight has benefited our staff, company, and clients in many ways.
1. Improved work-life balance
Having an extra day off every two weeks means more time for personal activities, family, and rest. Staff members have reported increased satisfaction and well–being, citing the extra day as an excellent opportunity to recharge.
2. Increased productivity
Research shows that condensed work schedules lead to higher productivity. Giving more time for our employees to recharge means they return to the company more focused and efficient. Our trial results echoed this, with many team members noting they felt more motivated and productive.
3. Environmental impact
Commuting fewer days reduces our carbon footprint, contributing positively to environmental sustainability. Olvera staff appreciated the reduced travel, which also saved them time and costs.
4. Health and well-being
A healthier workforce is more productive and creative, and employees can use the extra day off for activities that improve their overall health. Our team members have shared that they used the time for fitness, hobbies, and improving their mental health, contributing to a more balanced lifestyle.
5. Quality over quantity
As a company that focuses on work quality rather than hours spent at the desk, the 9-day fortnight promotes a results-driven culture, valuing outcomes over presence. Feedback from staff showed that they felt empowered to focus on delivering high-quality results without the pressure of long hours.
6. Customer Service Excellence
Despite the schedule change, we remain committed to delivering excellent customer service. We’ve structured our teams to ensure there is no disruption to our client management. Our clients have also noticed no change in service levels, confirming the effectiveness of our new schedule.
Moving forward with 9-day fortnight
Adopting this progressive work arrangement has had a positive impact on our company, and we aim to continue leading with more forward-thinking strategies.
"As a company that consistently champions change, we’re excited to formally transition toward a 9-day fortnight work schedule. After seeing how successful it was during the trial period, we knew that this would be great for morale. Our staff feedback has reaffirmed this decision, and we look forward to implementing more initiatives that can improve our employees' well-being."
Olvera Advisors is a team of creative individuals that tailors bespoke restructuring solutions for Australian businesses. We are a growing company that fosters collaboration and innovation to support our employee growth. To join our dynamic team, view our careers page.
