In 2023, Benjamin Bridge embarked on a transformative journey aimed at rethinking our traditional workweek model. The decision to implement a four-day work week pilot was not made lightly but with a profound commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our team members and bolstering the sustainability of the business. By reducing the standard 40-hour workweek to a more manageable 36 hours without reducing compensation – nine hour days, four days per week – we sought to create a compassionate environment where employees could thrive both personally and professionally. Now it's time to report in!
The Four-Day Work Week Initiative
Central to this initiative was the decision to maintain salaries at the same rate despite the reduction in working hours. This strategic move not only demonstrated our dedication to fair compensation but also underscored its belief in the intrinsic value of investing in our people. By ensuring financial stability for our team members, the company aimed to alleviate concerns about potential income loss while encouraging them to embrace the benefits of a shortened workweek.
However, the transition to a four-day work week was not without its challenges. As a business deeply rooted in agriculture and tourism, we faced logistical hurdles in aligning our seven-days-a-week operations with the new schedule. Adapting to a condensed time frame with dispersed working days required meticulous planning and coordination across all departments to ensure seamless continuity of production and service delivery.
In some cases, the four-day work week model is not possible year-round or not conducive to a department’s priorities, so we’ve learned fluidity is necessary. Come harvest season, the winemaking, production, and vineyards teams will work seven-days-a-week as is the nature of an agricultural business. The weather waits for no one, so if there is sunshine, we’re harvesting.
Yet, despite these initial obstacles, the results of the pilot program are positive. Beyond the tangible benefits of improved work-life balance and improved planning, Benjamin Bridge experienced a tangible shift in its organizational culture. The four-day work week fostered a sense of solidarity among team members, who rallied together to navigate the transition period with patience and determination.
Community Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility
One of the most significant aspects of Benjamin Bridge's four-day work week initiative is its emphasis on community engagement. Recognizing the importance of giving back to the communities that support our winery and therefore our livelihood, we’ve instituted a policy requiring team members to dedicate 60 hours per year to volunteer work. This commitment to corporate social responsibility not only aligns with Benjamin Bridge's values but also is serving as a powerful catalyst for positive change in the surrounding communities.
Over the course of 2023, Benjamin Bridge team members collectively contributed a tremendous 2,288 hours of service to various charitable organizations and community initiatives. We’re proud to share that our volunteer efforts have been far-reaching across Nova Scotia, supporting the communities of Aylesford, Canning, Dartmouth, Gaspereau, Halifax, Tantallon, Timberlea, Waterville, Windsor, Wolfville, and more.
Grassroots Volunteerism
Benjamin Bridge's commitment to community engagement extends beyond formal volunteer activities. We encourage team members to seek out opportunities for grassroots involvement and to support causes that resonate with their personal values and interests. Our team members have helped well-known organizations like Feed Nova Scotia and community food banks, the Wolfville Farmers Market, Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, SPCAs, Shelter Movers, Scotian Shores, Blomidon Naturalists Society, and served as volunteer firefighters, board members and advocates for our local wine and grape growing associations, fundraising for hospital foundations, and more. And in the spirit of grassroots, we’ve approved informal contributions from our team members, like: cooking meals for the firefighters working so hard on the ‘23 summer wildfires, bringing elderly folks together for communal meals, filling community fridges, cleaning up garbage on local beaches, trails and roads.
The success of our four-day work week pilot serves as a testament to the company's progressive approach to workplace innovation and employee well-being. By prioritizing the needs of our workforce and fostering a culture of inclusivity and social responsibility, Benjamin Bridge has not only enhanced its reputation as a forward-thinking employer but also strengthened its ties to the communities it serves. Without our communities supporting us, we simply wouldn’t be here.
As we look ahead to the future, Benjamin Bridge remains committed to building upon the foundation laid by its four-day work week initiative. By continuing to prioritize employee wellness, community engagement, and sustainability, the company aims to set a new standard for corporate excellence and inspire positive change in the world around us. This journey has taught us a lot about the transformative power of innovation, compassion, and collaboration allowing us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our employees and the communities we serve.