Lucidya, a Riyadh-based AI firm, introduces a four-day work week, aiming to enhance employee well-being and productivity while maintaining full salaries

Lucidya, an artificial intelligence and customer experience company based in Riyadh, has made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first private entity in Saudi Arabia to adopt a four-day working week. This initiative, which commenced in August 2024, marks a significant shift in the traditional work culture of the Kingdom.

Under this new system, Lucidya employees will work from Sunday to Wednesday, enjoying a four-day weekend from Thursday to Saturday. Remarkably, the company has decided to maintain full salaries and does not plan to extend daily working hours, a decision intended to further boost employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity.

Abdullah Asiri, CEO of Lucidya, emphasized that this change aligns with the company’s long-standing commitment to innovative work practices. “At Lucidya, we have embraced unconventional work methods since our inception in 2016,” Asiri stated. “We were among the first to adopt remote work and move away from traditional time-tracking systems. Our focus has always been on results rather than hours spent at a desk.”

The transition to a four-day workweek has already yielded positive outcomes, according to Asiri. “We have observed increased enthusiasm and task completion without any drop in performance,” he said. “We believe that a flexible working environment fosters creativity and innovation. Our employees deserve full trust and support to achieve even greater success.”

Asiri assured that the new work model would not impact client services. “Our commitment to service standards and continuous support remains unchanged,” he added. The shift is supported by the company’s existing work culture, which emphasizes productivity and output over traditional office presence and fixed hours.

Lucidya’s automated productivity measurement system and output-focused performance metrics have created an environment conducive to this bold transition. Asiri explained that the company has moved beyond the need for physical office presence or strict adherence to daily hours. “What matters is the quality and quantity of work delivered, regardless of location,” he said.

The decision to implement a four-day workweek was initially tested in two departments, allowing the company to monitor team stability and performance before a full-scale rollout. This phased approach has helped ensure a smooth transition and provided valuable insights into the impact of the new schedule.

Employees have responded positively to the change, with many expressing increased pride in their workplace. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Asiri noted. “Employees appreciate the company’s tangible efforts to create an exceptional work environment. Beyond the initial excitement, we’ve seen a rise in employee morale and engagement.”

While it is still early to draw definitive conclusions, Asiri reported promising initial observations. “We have seen no indicators of performance decline and, in fact, some employees have shown increased productivity,” he said. This improvement is attributed to better mental well-being, heightened morale, and employees’ appreciation of the trust placed in them.

Lucidya remains committed to transparency and plans to release a comprehensive public report on the impact of the four-day workweek once sufficient data is available. “When employees feel genuinely comfortable in their workplace, their dedication and output naturally increase,” Asiri concluded.

Analysis

Political: Lucidya’s adoption of a four-day workweek could influence labour policies and corporate practices in Saudi Arabia. By setting a precedent for progressive work arrangements, the company may prompt other businesses and government entities to explore similar models. This shift could lead to broader discussions about work-life balance and productivity in the Kingdom, potentially affecting labour laws and employment standards.

Social: The introduction of a four-day workweek reflects a growing global trend towards flexible work arrangements that prioritize employee well-being. This move mirrors societal changes in how work is perceived, emphasizing quality of life and job satisfaction. Lucidya’s approach may inspire other companies to reevaluate their work practices, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards more humane and employee-centric work environments.

Racial: Lucidya’s initiative does not directly address racial issues but contributes to a more inclusive work culture by focusing on employee well-being and output rather than traditional metrics. By fostering an environment where employees are valued for their contributions rather than their presence, the company supports a more equitable workplace where diverse talent can thrive.

Gender: The implementation of a four-day workweek at Lucidya could positively impact gender equality in the workplace. Flexible work arrangements are particularly beneficial for employees with caregiving responsibilities, who are often women. By adopting a more flexible schedule, Lucidya supports work-life balance, which can help address gender disparities in career advancement and job satisfaction.

Economic: The four-day workweek represents a strategic investment in employee productivity and job satisfaction. Lucidya’s decision to maintain full salaries without extending working hours suggests a focus on maximizing output while reducing burnout. This model could lead to increased efficiency and lower turnover rates, potentially providing a competitive advantage in the talent market. Additionally, positive results from this experiment could encourage other companies to adopt similar practices, influencing broader economic trends in labour management.