Familias en Acción is excited to announce that we have formally transitioned to a 4-day workweek, effective January 1, 2023. Familias was built on the mission to strengthen the health and well-being of Latino families and communities in Oregon. We recognize that in order to accomplish our goals within the community, we must first protect and strengthen the health of our staff.
In 2021, Familias en Acción piloted a Summer Fridays schedule from July to August. A Monday-Thursday summer schedule was set in response to the emotional and physical exhaustion that navigating COVID-19 brought onto staff, and in alignment with a shifting work culture. In Summer of 2022, we brought back the 4-day workweek with a Fridays off policy set through December 2022, and with the intent to establish a permanent 4-day workweek operating schedule.
To better inform this decision, Familias staff were surveyed for input and feedback on this new work schedule and its impacts. The impact that this schedule has brought onto our work has been overwhelmingly positive. A 4-day workweek supports prioritizing our staff’s wellbeing, which is vital to us as we continue to be dedicated to serving our community.
100% Have had more time for self-care and overall well being
100% Overall feel happier and more satisfied
94% Have had more time for family and friends, other personal interests
50% Have done some work on Fridays like emails, meetings and phone calls
22% Have saved money
“It has brought up a lot of positive changes especially in my health. It has given me a better work life balance. I have been able to schedule Dr. appointments and find a mental health provider and attend my sessions.”
“The 4-day work week has really improved my mental health and overall wellbeing. It has given me one day each week to really dedicate to self-care.”
Staff Members
When asked about addressing challenges with the new work schedule, staff reported:
“Some meetings have been turned into working meetings, and other meetings that are low priority are now being dropped and worked over email, to make time for others.”
“We are a meeting heavy group. A compressed work schedule should perhaps also create conversations about how we’re using our time and make changes.”
Throughout 2023, staff and leadership will continue to assess and evaluate this implementation to identify and mitigate barriers and challenges that may arise through this work-culture shift. Familias will also need to work differently and reevaluate how we meet and collaborate as a team, our future commitments to funders and partners and how we report and measure success. It is unlikely that this shift will come without reasonable challenges; however, we are committed and will continue to engage with staff at all levels to achieve a new normal of a better work and life balance.
