As 2025 begins, UMAGE reflects on a landmark achievement: five successful years of its innovative 4-3 workweek. In 2019, co-founder Søren Ravn Christensen led the bold transition from the traditional 37-hour, Monday-to-Friday schedule to a four-day workweek with Fridays off. This shift aimed to provide employees with more time to recharge, boost productivity, and foster creativity while minimising inefficiencies caused by overwork.
Looking back on the past five years, UMAGE remains steadfast in its belief that the 4-3 schedule has transformed both the organisation and the lives of its employees. The initiative has brought fresh perspectives and increased alignment across the team. Long-time employee Anders Klem, an in-house designer for over a decade, recalls the immediate impact of the change: 'When UMAGE implemented 4-3, it was clear that my workplace prioritised the well-being of its people – which made me even more committed to our success as a company. Moving to 30 hours showed there was no reason for the traditional 37-hour week to be so sacred.'
For newcomers like Rikke Black, who joined UMAGE last year, the concept initially seemed implausible. 'When I first heard about it, I didn't believe it was something they actually practised,' she says. 'I even offered to work on Fridays because I'd never experienced anything else. But the CEO was firm: "We don't do that here at UMAGE." Since then, I've come to appreciate how Fridays off foster both joy and focus during the rest of the week.'
UMAGE's commitment to employee well-being stems from the belief that a well-rested, happy team is a more innovative and inspired one. The company also views its 4-3 approach as an example for others to follow, proving that prioritising work-life balance can lead to fewer mistakes, better time management, and greater efficiency.
As UMAGE marks this milestone, the team remains dedicated to fostering a happier and more creative workforce. With the 4-3 model firmly in place, UMAGE continues to inspire positive change in the professional landscape, demonstrating that productivity and well-being can go hand in hand.
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