And finally…Glasgow firm introduces pioneering six-hour working day

It could be the future. It could be all our tomorrows. It’s certainly an exciting today for the creative specialists at Senshi Digital, the

Pioneering Glasgow-based web design and digital marketing experts Senshi Digital has become the first in Scotland –and one of the first in the UK - to introduce a six-hour working day for all nine staff, including director and founder Chris Torres.

The revolutionary idea, which was first trialled in Sweden, will see staff working in “sprints” instead of “slogs”, allowing them to spend more time with their families or pursuing creative leisure pursuits.

The intention is that they will do the same amount of work, but they will be more focused on what they do. “Work smarter, not harder”, will be the watchword, with 100 per cent attention directed at the tasks in hand.

Mr Torres said: “This idea is truly ground-breaking. It’s based on the kind of out-of-the-box thinking in which we specialise atSenshi Digital. It fits with the way we look at the world.

“The fact is that the eight-hour day is not necessarily all that efficient. It’s a long haul and people mix in other activities to help meet that challenge. With six hours, we hope to get as much done in a shorter time so staff will have the energy to enjoy their private lives.”

The new working routine was introduced on Monday and will run for an initial period of six months before being reviewed. Hours are likely to be 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Everyone will be expected to be at their desks and ready to work by 9.30am. Breaks will be shorter and lunch will be only 30 minutes, but all daily activities such as team meetings, sales, marketing and communications will carry on as normal.

In Sweden, staff committed to a quid pro quo of not engaging in social media or personal internet use during working hours, in order to reap the benefits of the shorter hours. The programme has been rolled out there in care homes and with major employers such as Toyota.

Chris Torres added: “The staff are excited about the project. It could transform working life, increase productivity and nurture creativity. It’s all about how you want to live your life.”