Shifting Gears: How Four-Day Weeks and Remote Work Are Reshaping Business

By Arminda Figueroa – CEO & Founder Latin2Latin Marketing + Communications, LLC

Discover how our company is revolutionizing work-life balance with our four-day workweek and remote work initiatives. Learn how we’ve transformed our business, boosted employee satisfaction, and achieved incredible results. Join us on our journey to redefine the future of work.

The concept of a four-day workweek has long been a subject of fascination and skepticism. However, companies that have switched to this model report long-term improvements in employee satisfaction, reduced turnover, and increased efficiency.

In UK, a pioneer in the four-day workweek movement, a trial involving 61 companies has shown that the positive effects of a four-day workweek can last beyond the initial experimental period.

Over half of the companies have now made the change permanent. Employees report sustained boosts in job satisfaction, work-life balance, and overall well-being, while experiencing less burnout.

At my firm, Latin2Latin, a boutique marketing consulting firm, we’ve been fortunate to have a hybrid work model in place since our inception, in 2007, with team members based in New York, North Carolina, Florida and Puerto Rico. Our commitment to a flexible workplace for the last 17 years has allowed us to hire the best people, no matter where they reside.

For on-site employees, we created a workspace designed to inspire creativity and innovation. We had HQ offices (and a hefty rent!) for over 15 years, complete with open layouts, cozy nooks, and even a “Mad Men”-inspired bar. However, as the world changed during the pandemic, so did our workspace. We finally made the big shift to fully remote work, giving everyone – including our previous office-based employees – the freedom to work from anywhere. Meanwhile, our leadership team adopted a global, co-working model, setting up shop in shared workspaces around the world. Working remotely from different places has completely changed how we see things and has proved instrumental in shaping our vision.

As an example, last December, Malule González, our Chief Content Officer, applied for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain. This temporary residency permit allows foreigners to live and work remotely in a specific country for an extended period. The visa is designed to attract freelancers, and remote workers who generate income from outside the host country. Based on recent data, it’s estimated that around 50-60 countries worldwide offer some form of digital nomad visa or visa-friendly environment for remote workers.

With open minds (and hearts!) we sponsored Malule on her visa application, and now we have a cool new office in Spain. Digital nomadism is often misconstrued as solely a lifestyle for Tic Tokers, YouTubers or travel influencers. However, this is a total misconception. Seasoned professionals, particularly those in creative fields, can significantly benefit from immersing themselves in diverse cultures and gaining fresh perspectives to fuel their innovation.

A personal highlight was a two-week transatlantic cruise I took this spring, where I successfully managed client calls across multiple time zones while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. This experience underscored the feasibility of remote work and its potential to boost morale and job satisfaction.

Our distributed team structure has been an incredible asset, allowing us to connect with colleagues and clients across the globe. Additionally, there are many benefits for our clients as we span multiple time zones, ensuring near-continuous service. Also, by operating as a remote team, we’ve gained diverse global perspectives that directly influence our strategic thinking. This enables us to develop strategies and concepts applicable across both regional and global markets.

But nothing compares to the depth of connection we experience when we gather in person. These opportunities for immersion, whether in our own hometowns, client locations, or new destinations, foster a deeper understanding of one another, our work, and the cultures we represent.

I vividly recall Richard’s first visit to Puerto Rico this year. It was a chance to get to know our Account Manager better, introduce him to a new culture and country, and showcase his expertise to our clients. Similarly, our team gatherings, from Christmas in Madrid to meetings in New York, business lunch in North Carolina and L2L’s 15th anniversary celebration in Puerto Rico, have created unforgettable memories. These shared experiences strengthen our bonds, enhance collaboration, and reinforce our shared commitment to excellence.

Malule’s relocation to Spain and our team’s extensive experience with remote work across diverse time zones and cultures showcased the effectiveness of our flexible work arrangements. Building upon this success, we identified the four-day workweek as a potential next step to further enhance employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction while maintaining our commitment to exceptional service delivery.

The idea was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the team. They felt valued and respected as individuals, viewing the initiative as a testament to our company’s commitment to progress, innovation, and employee well-being. Our team’s strong track record of managing workloads effectively was essential to gaining enthusiastic support for the four-day workweek. As one team member put it, our approach would be “adaptable and flexible’, ensuring we could meet client demands while enjoying the advantages of a shorter workweek.

By implementing a four-day workweek, we aim to create a more balanced, energized, and productive workforce. The extra day off will empower our team members to pursue personal passions, recharge, and return to work with renewed focus. Whether it’s volunteering, spending time with loved ones, traveling or simply unwinding, this newfound freedom will enhance overall well-being a steadfast commitment I personally have pledged.