From 1 December, production will operate four days a week

Fridays will be quiet in parts of our production – at least for most people. From 1 December 2025, Procudan Blends will switch to a 4-day working week. The decision was made in close dialogue with employees and is a step towards a more balanced and flexible way of working.

Well thought out and jointly anchored

Before the decision was made, the manufacturing team met with Lone Skov, ESG and well-being coordinator, and production manager Martin Jørgensen. The goal was to find a solution that would both work in practice and ensure high well-being.

- We looked at experiences from outside the company and were curious to see what works elsewhere. But the most important thing was to find a model that suits us, says Martin Jørgensen, who has been production manager at Procudan Blends since June 2025.

Two specific proposals for new working hours were presented.

The employees were then given a week to consider the proposals, during which they could talk to each other, ask questions and provide their own input. The material was placed in the staff room to create a place for reflection and conversation. A week later, a follow-up meeting was held, and it was agreed to proceed with one of the proposals.

New working hours – same tasks

For the day shift, the transition to a 4-day working week means that working hours changed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. to 5 a.m. to 2.45 p.m., four days a week. The evening shift already had four working days, but their working hours have changed by 45 minutes, and are now from 2.30 p.m. to 12.15 a.m.

The shifts still overlap for a period, so that a daily handover and status meeting can be held.

Focus on well-being and flexibility

The new working time structure is intended to ensure better productivity and create opportunities for maintenance and technical improvements on the fifth day without compromising production.

- We expect to be able to work more efficiently and with greater concentration during the four days. At the same time, we will have better opportunities to carry out maintenance on Fridays without stopping production, says Martin Jørgensen, adding:

- We will also have a flexible framework where we can still use the fifth day in special cases.

But it is not only efficiency that counts.

- We are constantly working on well-being. This must make sense for the team. If it turns out that something isn't working, we'll have to take another look at it, he emphasises.

Close management and respect for diversity

Martin Jørgensen has been part of production since 2023 – from a mechanical engineering trainee to production manager – and he is passionate about creating a framework where people and production work together. I believe that people grow with responsibility. And I believe that we succeed best when we work together and talk openly with each other, he says, emphasising the importance of everyone feeling heard:

- We are different, and different things make us happy. But we are colleagues, and we all want to stay here.

A follow-up meeting is already planned for March, where employees will once again be asked to assess how the new working hours are working in practice.