Harrity Implements Four-Day Work Week
Harrity & Harrity, the Go-To Firm for the Patent 300 ™, has implemented a four-day work week for support staff. This summer, each support team has selected one month to test out the shortened work week, splitting up who takes which day off in rotation.
The firm already offers schedule flexibility, remote options, and a 7.5-hour workday. The ultimate goal of the four-day work week is to maintain this, allowing staff to work just 30 hours per week without taking any cuts in pay.
“Obviously, we have deadlines, and timeliness is an extremely important part of the services we provide our clients,” says John Harrity, Managing Partner. “Support staff will work a longer day if they have to in order to ensure all work is completed on time, but the intention of the four-day work week is not to work four 10-hour days. The goal is to continue with our normal 7.5-hour day, with a 30-hour work week.”
The idea came about in 2019, with the goal of attaining true life/work balance- a significant component of Harrity’s firm culture. Although many things still need to be achieved before the firm can implement this full-time, shortened summer weeks are a step in the right direction.
“The future of the firm,” says John, “will be permanent four-day work weeks.”
And, it seems to be going well so far.
“I’ve done a four-day work week before and I love doing it; I think our team really likes it too. Who doesn’t want to cut their work week down to four days?” says Sara Stesney, Manager of the New Applications Support Team.
Another advantage, she adds, is the fact that the benefit is shared by the whole team.
“The individuals on my team are incredibly hardworking and responsible. Despite the firm’s ample PTO policy, they are hesitant to take any paid time off, because they know their absence will increase the workload of their other team members and they just don’t want to create more work for anyone else. With the four-day work week, everyone contributes to the extra workload, and everyone enjoys the extra time off. I’ve already seen the benefits of the shortened week reflected in the mindsets of my team members. They come back from their day off truly refreshed and ready to tackle their work, without the feeling of guilt for putting a burden on their colleagues.”
For more information on Harrity’s life/work balance and other factors that contribute to their high employee satisfaction and great team culture, and to apply to current openings, please visit harrityllp.com/careers.
