New Work Practices to Support Team Well-Being

In November 2022 Simon Leat, one of the founding Directors of Earth Environmental & Geotechnical, assumed the role of Managing Director and is leading the growth of the business with the Regional Office Teams. One strategic development he has implemented is to support the well-being of their teams and offer the opportunity of working a four-day week.

“As Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants we are committed to delivering all our services efficiently, and quickly. We understand that our clients have tight deadlines, Phase 1 Desk Studies, Risk Assessments, reports and site investigations are frequently needed quickly. Deadlines for supporting documents for planning applications can be tight, and the analysis of data & reports for designs need to be prepared and presented efficiently and with rigorous detailed analysis” explains Simon.

As Geotechnical Consultants their services are used by property developers, construction companies, local authorities, utilities and increasingly renewable energy projects. Phase 1 Desk Studies and Ground Investigations are often one of the first steps in assessing the viability and actions required to make a development project safe and successful.

“We recognise that whilst our work is really interesting, it is also demanding and all our teams need to be focussed on consistently delivering accurate assessments. We are all very committed to providing a timely service. To achieve our quick turnaround times and deliver clearly presented solution we may be onsite early, or responding to clients requests quite late. We recognise that all our team are equally committed to our high standards, and we also recognise the importance of our team’s wellbeing. That’s why we believe that offering a four-day working week will provide a better work life balance, and enhance productivity”

Over the last few months Earth Environmental & Geotechnical have analysed their work schedules, projects and staffing needs, recruiting and promoting to ensure the right people with the right skills are in place to support the new structure.

“For our clients, the change will not be evident, we will continue to provide our high quality, cost-effective and pragmatic geotechnical services efficiently and on time. For our team we hope that the change will benefit everyone. Allowing team members to work a four-day week with the same pay and benefits, providing a more flexible work environment”

Research shows that giving the opportunity to work a four-day week increases workers’ wellbeing, and improves health and work-life balance.

“We have looked at the current workload and work practices and understand that flexible working patterns will support our team and maintain quality and efficiency. All our offices will continue to provide services Monday to Friday. Plus, we have the capacity to grow the business with our new structure, team members, training, and personal development.”