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MAKAKAH: Lucidya, a Riyadh-based artificial intelligence and customer experience company, has become the first private sector in the Kingdom to implement a four-day work week.

This method preserves full wages and does not increase daily working hours. It aims to enhance employee well-being, productivity and job satisfaction.

Abdullah Asiri, CEO of Lucidya, told Arab News that the decision reflects the company’s commitment to foster innovation and foster an exemplary workplace environment.

He said: “At Lucidya we have been embracing unconventional ways of working since our launch in 2016.

“We were early adopters of remote working and eliminated old time tracking systems. Our philosophy is based on efficiency rather than hours purchased. We believe that productivity is not due to hours worked but they are things that man has achieved.”

The decision to move to a four-day week has led to noticeable results, he added.

Asiri said: “We have noticed an increase in enthusiasm and completion of work since we implemented this system, without any decrease in performance.

“We believe that a flexible work environment encourages creativity and innovation. Our team deserves your trust and full support to achieve greater success.”

Asiri emphasized that the new type of work will not affect customer service, adding: “This change will strengthen our commitment to service standards and ongoing support.”

The CEO revealed that the decision was facilitated by the company’s work culture.

He said: “Our employees are already showing a high commitment to achieve success, regardless of time or place.”

He added that Lucidya’s productivity measurement approach and focus on product-based operations created the right environment for a bold move.

Explaining Lucidya’s work philosophy, Asiri said: “We have moved beyond the need to be physically present in the office or stick to set daily hours.

“What’s important is the quality and quantity of the work delivered, regardless of where it’s done.”

Asiri envisions a workplace where employees know themselves, adapt to the company’s culture, and have a strong sense of belonging.

He said: “In such an environment, everyone is proactive, takes the initiative, and does the best for the success of the organization.”

Asiri says those who do not perform well while working will do so regardless of the hours or strict attendance.

Lucidya, which employs around 150 people and works in the AI, customer experience and marketing sectors, serves large enterprises and government agencies across 11 countries.

Asiri shared details about the company’s transition to a four-day work week and its initial impact, saying: “We started preparing ourselves early.”

This change, which began in August, began with two departments, following a careful observation of the team’s stability and performance standards.

The new program, which gives workers a break from Thursday to Saturday, aims to provide extended weekends, especially to help commuters.

Asiri says that the response of the employees has been very positive, adding: “Besides the obvious happiness, we have seen an increase in the pride of the employees. They appreciate the obvious efforts of the company to create a unique work environment, not only empty promises.”

Speaking about the possible problems in the process, Asiri said that although it was too early for definitive conclusions, the initial expectations were promising.

He added: “We don’t see any signs of slowing down.” In fact, we are seeing increased productivity in some workers.”

He said this is due to improved mental health, improved morale, and employees’ appreciation for the trust placed in them.

Transparency remains Lucidya’s top priority, and Asiri said: “We intend to publish a full public report on the impact of this decision once we have enough information.

“When employees feel truly comfortable at work, their commitment and productivity increase.”