Sam Warburton’s SW7 Academy to trial four-day working week
Sam Warburton’s SW7 Academy to trial four-day working week
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Former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has announced that his company, SW7 Academy, is set to trial a four-day working week in a move aimed at putting employees “at the heart” of the business.
Warburton, who co-founded the personal training and performance business after retiring from rugby, confirmed the decision in a LinkedIn post to his followers.
“Something I’ve wanted to do for a while, we are going to be trialling the 4 day working week at SW7 Academy,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be a forward thinking company, with the employees at the heart of what we do. I love that we are able to implement these decisions.”
The announcement places SW7 Academy among a growing number of UK firms exploring shorter working patterns as a way of boosting productivity and improving staff wellbeing. Trials run in other parts of the UK and internationally have shown that reducing hours can lead to better outcomes for both employees and employers.
Warburton referenced this evidence in his post, noting: “Research has shown the positive effects from a productivity standpoint, mental well being and reduced illness to name a few.”
The former flanker also highlighted the benefits of giving staff more time away from the office. “I also think it’s good to give staff the option of a long weekend to spend time with friends and loved ones, or to have some extra time to create revenue through other passions further developing their skills, or pursue a hobby more deeply.”
The new working week model will sit alongside a wider wellbeing strategy at SW7 Academy, where Warburton has placed a strong emphasis on healthy workplace culture. “Combine this with providing healthy meals for staff and encouraging physical exercise during work hours, I’m looking forward to seeing how we get on,” he said.
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