Fli Distribution moves to four-day week, response positive

Fli Distribution has joined the ranks of those companies trialling a four-day week, with owner Col Williams concluding that “more time, doesn’t necessarily mean more results.”

Company Owner Col Williams spoke to CI.N this week about the reasoning behind the decision, stating that “We’re getting quite a bit of positive feedback. I was worried dealers might think we’re slacking, but so far so good.”

As some shops opt to do mid-week, the business will now close on a Wednesday, though staff may still opt to do certain tasks remotely.

“Just because the phones are off, doesn’t mean we’re not here to help,” added Williams. “Chances are we could on the road visiting our dealers to show the range of brands we hold, or we could be here working on the vans, or playing in the workshop. We’re just not going to “officially” be in the office on Wednesdays anymore.

“We’re working more and more events right over the year, so weekends are filling up and with a small team, that means we can end up working crazy hours, so this change brings us in line with many of our shops in having a day during the week where the doors are closed, officially.

“We realised we’re working way too hard. If there is something urgent I can come in, but the four of us who are full time all agreed that four days flat out is better for everyone. If they want to work the fifth they can do from home, or work on website / graphics stuff, or just ride a bike. We are giving everyone a bit more flexibility, saving them the fuel driving in five days and save me heating the place.”

Accounts will remain with direct access at all times, with Fli stressing that “all our dealers know, if you email, or Whatapp message us, you’ll get a reply, pretty much any hour of the day. The modern world means we do not need to be in the office to support our customers. This won’t change.”

The official opening hours for Fli Distribution now that the four-day week is to be implemented are: