Bristol-based specialist recruitment firm ISL has introduced a four-and-a-half-day week for its staff in a move it says is already paying off with a marked increase in revenue.
The firm launched the scheme as a trial in which its 30-strong team agreed they could ‘earn’ Friday afternoons off if they hit a higher target. 
While they failed in the first week, they came close and were already changing the way they worked.
They then hit the target in the following two weeks and have done so three more times over the past 10 weeks.
As a result of working smarter, the team have also achieved a 38% increase in interviews and 41% more revenue in the three months since the scheme was introduced.
ISL director Alan Furley, pictured, said the team at the agency, previously named as one of the UK’s Great Place to Work, came up with the idea at a celebratory lunch. When it was trialled the following week – when they agreed to aim at a ‘stretched target’ – their behaviour in the office had already changed.
“It was a bit of a shock how successful the incentive was,” said Alan. “I think it’s worked so well because it’s a clear short-term goal, which we can collaborate on achieving and was agreed across the office.
“It’s been set at the sweet spot between stretch and achievable, typically 150% of budget. People know they can do something better on Tuesday and see the reward three days later, rather than just in their pay check in three months.”
Alan thinks the scheme has been so successful because it encourages behaviours that improve the chances of filling jobs.
“We are much clearer in agreeing expectations with clients and candidates on the prices, avoiding surprises.” he said. “The incentive creates urgency across the board, people present alternative options and pick up the phone to discuss candidates rather than send emails in hope.
“I think this challenged clients on their appetite to hire and allowed us to perform the role of trusted advisor, which has always been where we work best.”
If the team hits the target, all staff can leave at noon on Friday. According to Alan, some go to the pub, others go for a walk, play golf or pick up their kids from school.
“The key is it’s whatever our people want to do, not what I’m guessing might motivate them. It sounds cheesy but we’re giving the gift of time,” he said.
“The atmosphere in the office seems much more positive. There is constant talk about what each other has going on, with greater appetite to help each other. It’s encouraged risk taking and innovation.”
ISL, which specialises in technology and engineering recruitment, was founded in 2007 by Alan Furley and Henry Keeys.
Pictured: The ISL team at their summer conference
