Discover how a pioneering approach to working hours delivered transformative results for employees, the business, and the environment.
Alba Facilities Services (AFS), a Glasgow-based facilities management company, has achieved something remarkable: a complete transition to a 4-day working week with no reduction in pay - and the results have set a new standard for the industry.
Launched in October 2023 in partnership with Strathclyde University, the initiative was part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) that placed a dedicated graduate into the business to analyse the pilot and draw insight from global best practice.
This was no token gesture. It was a strategic move to address multiple challenges head-on - from boosting productivity and employee engagement, to creating sustainable business growth and weathering the cost-of-living crisis.
Innovation In Action
The goals of the 4-day week pilot were bold and ambitious:
- Enhance employee wellbeing and work-life balance
- Improve productivity and business efficiency
- Drive innovation across all levels of the company
- Lay foundations for future growth and resilience
- Reduce Alba’s environmental impact
To make this vision a reality, AFS’s senior leadership team led from the front, overcoming structural and operational hurdles and embedding cultural change at every level of the organisation.
A People-First Approach
Key to the project’s success was deep employee involvement. Rather than impose the changes from the top down, Alba ensured its workforce was central to the design and delivery of the initiative:
- Designated “4-Day Week Champions” were appointed across the business to represent colleagues and feed ideas into the programme.
- A comprehensive internal communications campaign - including staff meetings, one-to-ones, and video updates - helped keep everyone informed, engaged and reassured.
- Transparent communications extended beyond the business to clients and stakeholders, ensuring service expectations were understood and met.
- Line managers played a vital role in positively reinforcing the change and leading by example.
"Alba wanted the 4-day week to be designed by our employees to deliver the best outcomes for wellbeing and productivity."
Measurable Results, Long-Term Impact
After 9 months, the pilot concluded - and was deemed such a resounding success that the 4-day week became a permanent fixture in the business.
The outcomes speak for themselves:
Business Performance
- 15% increase in productivity despite a 20% reduction in hours
- First-time fix rate jumped from 72% to 87% - a major efficiency gain
- Year-on-year turnover growth, driven by process innovation and better employee performance
- Creation of new specialist roles to support smarter workflows and enable future growth
People And Culture
- 80% reduction in staff turnover, far exceeding the original 50% target
- Significant improvement in recruitment outcomes, with new hires citing the 4-day week as a key attraction
- Stronger engagement, motivation, and innovation among teams
- Approximately 4,700 working days returned to employees, offering greater personal time and quality of life
- Employees report feeling more valued, less stressed, and deeply satisfied with the change
"The change in work/life balance has almost been life-changing for me."
Alba employee
"My family feel the difference. I am engaged, happy, and less stressed."
Alba employee
Environmental Benefits
The company achieved a 20% reduction in carbon footprint, thanks to fewer commuting days and better travel planning
Leading The Way In FM
With the permanent rollout of the 4-day week, Alba Facilities Services is now the only known FM business in the UK to implement this model business-wide. The project has positioned the company as a trailblazer in innovation, employee engagement, and sustainable business practices.
“Implementing the 4-day work week has been transformational for Alba, and I am delighted with the benefits we’ve seen for both the company and our employees. The project has exceeded all expectations and has been a resounding success.”
Ian McCall, Managing Director
A Model Worth Sharing
BESA colleagues believe this is a story that all members should hear.
“I would like Ian to present this project to Scottish Members at the next Nation Meeting. It’s a positive, powerful topic that deserves a place at the National Conference - and a story that will inspire other BESA members across the country.”
Interested in finding out more?
You can find out more about Alba Facilities Services, in August when BESA's Chief Executive, David Frise invites Ian McCall as his guest on the Behind the Built Environment Extra podcast.
Looking for more innovative ways to grow and future-proof your business?
Join us at the BESA Annual Conference on 16 October, The Brewery London. This year’s theme, Race to the Top, explores how businesses can thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Don’t miss the ‘Going for Growth’ session - packed with practical strategies to help you stay competitive and resilient in today’s economic landscape.