At Noble Events, we’ve always believed the foundation of our success lies in the strength and well-being of our team. As the demands of the events industry continue to evolve, so too must our approach to work. That’s why we were excited to introduce 4UGUST, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing productivity and work-life balance through a four-day working week. This bold step is just the latest evolution of our broader Agile Working Policy, which has already proven transformative for our team – especially during the challenging summer months in Dubai.
The Genesis Of Agile Working In Events Management
Our agile working policy has its roots in a flexible working policy initially designed to support our Dubai-based team. Given the extreme summer heat in Dubai, we recognised the need for a solution that would allow our colleagues to maintain their productivity while escaping the harsh climate. This policy enabled our Dubai team to work from cooler locations in Europe or even from home while staying fully aligned with project timelines. For instance, our HR Manager, based in Dubai, chose to work from Goa periodically to support their family, demonstrating how flexibility can enhance both professional and personal life.
The success of this initial policy was undeniable. Not only did it allow our team to manage their work effectively across different time zones, but it also fostered a sense of trust and responsibility. The overwhelmingly positive response encouraged us to extend this flexibility company-wide, developing it into our current Agile Working Policy. Today, our employees can work from anywhere in the world, at times that suit their personal and professional commitments – be it family, childcare, religious practices, or community work. The only stipulation is that they support one another and remain mindful of client needs and hours.
Introducing 4UGUST: A Step Forward In Work-Life Balance
Building on the success of our Agile Working Policy, we participated in the 4UGUST initiative – a movement aimed at trialling a four-day working week across various sectors. For the entire month of August, our team worked reduced hours without any reduction in pay. This initiative explored how a shorter workweek can improve productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
We are optimistic that this initiative demonstrates our commitment to our employees’ well-being and showcase the benefits of a flexible, results-oriented work environment.
Impact And Recognition
Our commitment to flexible working has yielded impressive results across the board. Our annual staff survey reflects this, with 88% of employees feeling in control of their work, 93% feeling supported by their colleagues, and an outstanding 100% feeling supported by their managers. These metrics are not just numbers; they signify a thriving work environment where employees are empowered, engaged, and supported.
The benefits of our Agile Working Policy extend beyond just employee satisfaction. We’ve seen increased employee engagement, improved staff retention, and a significant reduction in recruitment costs. Our focus on employee well-being has also garnered external recognition, with two of our team members, Emily and Alice, being named in the CN 30Under30 list for two consecutive years. Additionally, Rosie, one of our rising stars, won the Micebook’s Rising Star award, and we were honoured as Employer of the Year at the CN Agency Awards in 2022.
A Commitment To The Future
As we look to the future, Noble Events remains committed to evolving our workplace policies to meet the needs of our team. The 4UGUST initiative is just one of many steps we are taking to create a more flexible, supportive, and dynamic working environment.
Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Noble Events, encapsulates our vision, stating, “The events industry is tough, and we ask a lot of our people, so it, therefore, feels appropriate to give something back to them in terms of flexibility. We’ve been absolutely thrilled with how our team has responded and with the levels of trust demonstrated by them.”
“We understand that the future of work is flexible, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. By continuing to prioritise the well-being of our team, we are not only ensuring their personal success, but we are setting them up to deliver the very best professionally, too, which is a huge win for our clients, too.”