Indie agency Deepend has reported a 46 per cent growth in revenue since implementing the agency’s flexible four-day working week agreement for all staff back on July 1 2018.

It was the first Australian agency to offer a four-day working week.

In a wider industry environment that is shifting towards greater emphasis on employee flexibility and remote working, Deepend has long understood and championed the philosophy that staff satisfaction is key to driving productivity.

Deepend founder and director Kath Blackham said: “Our culture at Deepend is special and something we want to protect and grow, we strongly believe in valuing and nurturing our talent.

“We recognise that our staff work hard in very demanding and high-pressure roles, the truth is we all need flexibility to manage our complex lives and commitments.

“I’m surprised and proud that Deepend is the first agency to offer this arrangement. I’m confident others will follow our example once they observe the benefits.”

The working model that Deepend has implemented allows staff to choose a schedule that is suitable to their own lives, while maintaining direct and effective client relationships.

The strategic implications of the change hold huge potential. Recent studies in New Zealand and the US suggest productivity actually increases when staff are granted the freedom to be flexible.

Employees feel more empowered, engaged and stimulated at work. Freedom and trust contribute to pride in the agency, and to a generally healthier agency culture.

There are clearly wider benefits to agile working patterns for society, and it’s an international trend that is rapidly growing.

A four-day week means twenty percent of commuter traffic is removed, placing less demand on transport infrastructure and reducing pollution.

The flexibility can also help address the gender pay gap, since many working parents already make compromises on salary versus time.

Deepend MD Jonny Clow said: “Frankly, I think this is the future of work, now. The success we’re seeing from a business perspective is already evident.

“Unsurprisingly, our staff have universally embraced the philosophy. Talent and creativity need respect and protection. Stress and burnout are always a threat. This is about allowing our staff to continue to deliver the highest standard of work possible for our clients.”