At Roco Truck Bodies, our commitment to innovation and customer service goes hand in hand. Earlier this year, we trialled a 4-day working week, designed to improve our team’s well-being and productivity – all while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
From the start, our customers were at the heart of this initiative. We knew the trial would only be a success if it had no negative impact on project schedules, service levels, or customer satisfaction. By carefully planning our new schedule, we ensured that every customer project was delivered on time and to the same high standards they rely on.
How it’s working
Our new schedule of Monday to Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm has brought a range of benefits for both the team and the business. Employees now enjoy a better work-life balance, more family time, and a chance to recharge over a longer weekend. In turn, we’ve maintained strong productivity and excellent service levels for our customers.
This initiative is part of our group-wide “Doing Things Differently” scheme, and it highlights the positive outcomes that can come from listening to our team and making bold changes.
It’s not just the team’s feedback that shows it’s working – the year-on-year growth in profit has been equally impressive.
- June saw a 39% increase, reflecting a significant improvement in efficiency and output.
- July followed with a 11% increase, showcasing consistent and sustained growth.
The outcomes of the trial exceeded our expectations
- Service levels remained consistently high, and every project was delivered on schedule.
- The team’s focus and efficiency stayed strong, with July and August 2024 achieving an impressive 99% productivity.
- Employees reported improved work-life balance and well-being, which has further enhanced their commitment to delivering great work for our customers.
What the team says about the 4-day week
As one of our team members put it...
“For me, the new working pattern offers an excellent work-life balance. Being able to clear off chores on a Friday and then enjoy a family weekend is brilliant. I come back to work refreshed and ready to deliver for our customers.” – Julie Asquith, Office Administrator
The feedback from our employees has been central to understanding the success of the trial. Here are some of the highlights:
“The new working schedule of 4 days a week suits me very well. I have more time to spend with my family, as well as having more time to rest. I would really like this new work schedule to stay as I don’t dislike anything about it.” – Alan Ogrodnik, Auto Electrician
“For me, the new working pattern offers an excellent work-life balance. Being able to clear off chores and appointments on a Friday and then enjoy a family weekend is brilliant. Also, being able to take over the walk to school and back on a Friday, which I’ve missed out on over the last few years, has been priceless as she is growing up fast.” – Team Member
“Initially, I did have reservations about a 4-day working week. However, after several weeks of trialling it, I can honestly say it’s far better than I thought it ever would be. I now have a much better balance between work and home. The only negative thing I can find is the early starts, but it’s so worth it for the extra family time and long weekends.” – Stephen Senior, Semi-Skilled Bodybuilder
“It feels like I finally have a good balance in my life. I no longer find myself miserable on a Sunday thinking it’s time for work again, as I feel like I’ve had a rest. Sure, the longer days and getting up earlier might be a little tiring, but it’s worth it so much for the weekend.” – Team Member
Looking ahead
The success of the trial means the 4-day working week is here to stay at Roco. While it’s been a perfect fit for our team, we recognise that every business within Motus Vehicle Solutions is different, with its own unique challenges and needs.
As Peter Glover, Managing Director of Motus Vehicle Solutions, puts it:
“The 4-day working week has been a fantastic success for Roco Truck Bodies, but we understand that what works for one business may not necessarily suit another. That said, this trial demonstrates the power of innovation and listening to our people. At Motus Vehicle Solutions, we’re committed to continuing to ‘do things differently,’ exploring new ideas and finding ways to improve wherever we can – even if the solutions look different for each of our businesses.”
Jenna Randall, Roco’s GM is proud of her team for embracing this change and for their dedication to delivering excellent results, no matter the schedule, “At Roco Truck Bodies, we’ll continue to “do things differently” to support our people and deliver the best service to our customers.”
Get in touch
If you’d like to know more about how Roco is continuing to innovate, or if you have a project in mind, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
