Компанія ВБА — компанія з чотириденним робочим тижнем

VBA Company has introduced a four-day working week for office employees—not as an image-building experiment, but as a conscious response to the challenges the team has faced during the war.

Why We Made This Decision

When working in an environment where clients require constant attention, it is easy to assume that reducing the number of working days is unrealistic. However, we proved otherwise: even during wartime, it is possible to create conditions in which employee productivity and satisfaction increase simultaneously. The key is a well-designed approach to process management and the active involvement of the HR team.

We see HR not merely as a recruitment function, but as an architect building the company around two essential elements: people and processes. HR creates an environment in which employees remain satisfied and productive, achieve results, and maintain their loyalty to the company. The goal of the four-day working week is not to “work less,” but to create a system in which results do not depend on the number of hours spent in the office.

Where We Started

Our journey began with a simple realization: the success of the project would not depend on the bold decision to “shorten the working week,” but on systematic process improvements made long before its implementation.

Organizational Structure

A clear structure in which everyone understands their role and responsibilities is the foundation. Just as every musician in an orchestra knows their part, everyone in a company must understand how their work contributes to the overall result.

Business Process Optimization

We audited our processes and eliminated unnecessary steps. We automated the transfer of documents from our accounting system to M.E.Doc, introduced electronic document management, and even trained some of our clients to use the system. This reduced the time spent on routine tasks and made our work more efficient.

New Technologies

Our CRM system became an essential tool not only for the sales department but also for PR and HR processes. We also introduced IP telephony, which helped improve the quality of customer service.

Job Manuals and Organizational Policies

When employees document their own processes, they develop a stronger sense of responsibility for their work. This also ensures business continuity during holidays, absences, or changes within the team.

Restructuring Work Schedules

Reorganizing workflows across different departments made it possible to complete in four days tasks that had previously required five. This was achieved through effective planning, automation, and employee involvement in identifying solutions. Everyone had the opportunity to analyze their work, suggest improvements, and see their personal contribution to the company’s overall success.

Friday as a Reserve Day

One of the most distinctive elements of our approach is treating Friday as a reserve day. It is not simply an additional day off, but a flexible day that employees can manage independently. Some use it to complete unfinished tasks, others dedicate it to training, while some choose to rest and recharge.

Work–Life Balance: The Key to Productivity

Why do employees experience burnout? One common reason is the lack of time for themselves and their personal responsibilities. A reserve Friday provides freedom of choice: employees can manage this time according to their individual needs rather than following a single schedule imposed on everyone.

Each employee’s salary depends not on the number of hours spent in the office, but on their efficiency and contribution to the company’s results. This approach encourages people to focus on outcomes and eliminates the need to simply “put in the hours” at the workplace. If a sales manager achieves their target within four days, there is no reason for them to come in on Friday merely for the sake of attendance. This is how we help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy balance.

Our goal is to create an environment in which employees feel supported and become more loyal, inspired, and effective. And it works.

Why This Is Especially Important During Wartime

During the ongoing war in Ukraine, supporting employees’ emotional and physical well-being has become even more important. An additional day for completing work tasks, recovering, handling personal matters, or simply resting helps reduce stress and support employees’ psychological well-being. This not only preserves workplace efficiency but also strengthens the resilience of the entire team.

Friday has also become a day for other activities. We have held tactical medicine training, strategic sessions, and meetings with a psychologist. This has enabled us to support our employees both professionally and emotionally.

How We Tested the New Schedule

Introducing a four-day working week was not an overnight process. The company owner approved a two-month trial period on one condition: the company had to remain profitable. Throughout the trial, we continuously analyzed and adjusted our processes to maintain stable productivity. At the end of the test period, we saw that the model genuinely worked and delivered results.

Key Facts

• Company: VBA Company, a trading and manufacturing group

• Working model: Four-day working week for office employees

• Reserve day: Friday—a flexible day managed by each employee

• Trial period: Two months, on the condition that profitability was maintained

The Results

+12.7%

employee loyalty (eNPS)

−2.8%

employee turnover

+12%

company profit

Advice for Other Companies

• Involve employees in process optimization—they know better than anyone what can be improved in their day-to-day work.

• Introduce automation—it significantly reduces workload and makes processes faster.

• Provide freedom of choice—a flexible schedule gives employees greater control over their time, increasing both satisfaction and productivity.

The four-day working week has changed the way we view work. It has become a tool for creating better working conditions, strengthening employee loyalty, and improving efficiency. Our team has become convinced that even in the most difficult circumstances—when it is essential not only to work but also to recover—this approach makes the business stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does VBA Company operate four days a week?

Yes. VBA Company’s office employees follow a four-day working schedule, while Friday serves as a flexible reserve day.

Why did VBA Company decide to reduce the working week to four days?

The goal was to reduce employee burnout, increase loyalty, and maintain productivity during wartime by focusing on results rather than the number of hours spent in the office.

Did the shorter working week affect the company’s profit?

The impact was positive: after introducing the four-day schedule, the company’s profit increased by 12%, employee loyalty rose by 12.7%, and employee turnover decreased by 2.8%.