The way we work is evolving faster than ever before. Candidates’ priorities are changing to include an emphasis on work-life balance, and they are no longer seeking to spend long hours within the walls of a sterile office environment.  And, as it turns out, that is not the only path to success.   

Companies are finding that a little innovation can go a long way in boosting productivity, enhancing employee well-being, and attracting top talent… PHAs included.   

One of the most talked-about changes? The four-day work week. And President of Fort Worth Housing Solutions, previously Fort Worth Housing Authority, in Fort Worth, Texas, Mary Margaret Lemons, had some valuable insight into how implementing these changes at her PHA have made a significant impact.   

The Four-Day Work Week: A Game Changer for Work-Life Balance  

The idea of working just four days a week is becoming a reality for more and more forward-thinking companies, PHAs included. And with work-life balance being a significant factor for almost 70% of potential candidates now, for PHAs who are struggling with modernizing their agencies, this could be just what they need to bring their operational models into the modern age and attract the next generation of top talent.   

President Lemons addressed this dynamic head-on, “Housing authorities are thought of as being kind of an old governmental bureaucratic place to work, how are we going to attract and retain top talent? And we don’t necessarily have the privilege of offering high salaries. What can we offer?  For me, I really wanted to instill a work hard, play hard attitude across the whole organization. If you want Fridays to be a volunteer day at your kids’ school or go take care of your doctor’s appointment, I want you to be able to do that.”  

She has found that offering this has helped their PHA keep their staff levels, workplace morale, and productivity high.   

Impact on Productivity  

And speaking of productivity, it is understandable that you might be skeptical… how can working fewer hours lead to better results? It seems counterintuitive, but the data speaks for itself. By shifting to a shorter work week, these companies are proving that you don’t need to work more hours to get more done. In fact, statistics show that 85% of employers found their productivity levels either stayed the same or increased, and absenteeism decreased by 50% once they implemented a four-day work week. 

Employees are more refreshed, less burnt out, and better able to focus during their working hours. Plus, with an extra day off, they have more time to recharge, which means they come back to work ready to hit the ground running.

Embracing Remote Work: Enhancing Flexibility and Efficiency  

Another major shift in the modern workplace is the rise of remote work options, whether it is fully remote, work-from-home, or hybrid. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love the idea of skipping the daily commute and reabsorbing that time back into your life?  

Mary Margaret chimed in, “If you’re not able to find a way to allow your workforce to work remotely, you’re actually missing out on opportunities. We found that remote workforces will do more than workforces in the office every day. I know if I do, I start my day earlier and I work through and usually later because I’m not in traffic, I’m not traveling for calls and meetings. And I get a lot more done.” 

Remote work offers flexibility that’s hard to ignore. It allows employees to create a work environment that suits them best and allows for their individual needs to be met, ensuring everyone gets to operate at their best every day. And with so many great tools and resources available to manage workflows and stay connected, no one misses a beat.  

Creating a Modern Work Environment  

Even for those days when you do head into the office, the environment is changing… or at least it should be. More open and creative office layouts are becoming the norm, designed to cultivate collaboration, communication, and a relaxed atmosphere. What PHA couldn’t use a dose of that? 

And this isn’t just about aesthetics. While we all appreciate a nice space, your office environment has a huge impact on your PHA’s culture and the well-being of those who walk through the doors, whether employees or participants. The right kind of environment will promote transparency, break down barriers between departments… and between staff and the community, and make it easier for everyone to work together. Plus, it just feels good to be in a space that’s designed for people and not just for work.   

Why Workforce Innovation Matters  

So, why should you care about all these changes? Afterall, there are many successful companies who continue to operate the traditional way. Well, let’s look at some of the realities.  

For starters, it’s a great way to attract and retain top talent. We mentioned previously how today’s workers… especially younger generations which PHAs desperately need… are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want a job that fits their lifestyle, offers flexibility, and values their well-being. And the hard truth is, if you don’t offer that, they will find it somewhere else because for every company refusing to change, there is one who is. 

Innovative workforce policies lead to better results for your agency and your community. When your employees are happy and healthy, they’re more productive, more creative, and more likely to stick around for the long haul bringing all those good vibes along for the ride.  

Overcoming Challenges 

So, when taking this into consideration, I think we all tend to have a similar response. It sounds nice but how does this actually work in practice?  

PHAs are not exactly known for being up to date or their ability to adapt to change so you might encounter some resistance, especially from those on your team who are used to the traditional grind. But with the right approach, these challenges can be overcome.  

It starts with understanding that productivity isn’t about the number of hours you spend at your desk. Understandably, that is the hardest point to reconcile. We have been conditioned our entire lives to believe that there is one formula for success, and it is the traditional one. And we cling to it even though we recognize that it is not really working for us anymore simply because it is how we have always done it.  

But there is another way. 

Companies that have implemented a four-day work week report that their employees are more focused, less stressed, and more motivated to make the most of their shorter work week. But don’t just take our word for it. Go ahead and do the research and see for yourself.  

Start by communicating with your team about the benefits and what to expect. Mary Margaret let us in on how she handled some of this at her PHA, “We adjusted. And everyone is paid to maintain their 40 hours, so no one lost money on this deal. It was a transition. A lot of people were skeptical about getting everything done. And I thought that we would have some people just really revolt, but everybody stuck with us, and it seems to be working really well.” 

Address any concerns head-on. Communicate clearly about the process, objectives, and expectations. You can even begin with a trial period, see how things go, and adjust as needed. The goal is to find what works best for your team and your agency.  

Conclusion  

At the end of the day, embracing the future of work is all about staying flexible and open to change. Whether it’s adopting a four-day work week, embracing remote work, or creating a modern office environment, these innovations can help your company stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.  

When Mary Margaret was talking about their own transition to adopting these changes, she said it best, “That’s the wave of the future, and if you’re not going to adapt and change, you’re going to get left behind.”