Avanti Communications gives all staff a four-day week throughout May to combat lockdown burnout

With home the new office for many, Avanti Communications has initiated a four-day week in throughout the month of May, in recognition that it can be hard to switch off at the end of the working day.

Across its all its offices in nine countries – including UK, USA and Nigeria – the company has put in place the ‘Avanti Unplugged’ scheme, which sees employees actively encouraged to log off and take the time for themselves one day a week.

The idea originated from Avanti CEO Kyle Whitehill, who noticed that when employees were booking days off, they were often still responding to emails, dialling into video meetings and engaging in tasks.

Avanti’s HR Director, Debbie Mavis comments: “After weeks of home-working, we could see that the line between work and personal time was becoming blurred. With many of our colleagues having to juggle home-schooling, sharing workspace with family or housemates, and having to cancel long-anticipated holidays, we were keen to make sure they had some dedicated time to switch-off and unplug from business matters.”

Adds Kyle Whitehill, “With Mental Health Awareness Week falling in May, it felt like an appropriate time to recognise our colleagues’ hard work, in spite of challenging circumstances, and give them some time back to themselves.”

This is the latest in a series of initiatives Avanti has introduced to support its employees through lockdown. The company has also brokered a unique broadcasting partnership to create an “At Home With” mini-series for staff, which includes exclusive interviews with athletes and entertainers including professional boxer, Isaac Chamberlain and Scottish curling champion and NHS nurse, Vicky Wright.