Curium launches world-leading work time reduction centre in Canada

Chamber patron Curium Solutions is behind the launch of the world 's first Center of Excellence in work time reduction in Canada - which will support the global move to shorter working weeks.

The new initiative, co-designed by work time reduction evangelist and former 4 Day Week Global CEO Joe O 'Connor in partnership with the Birmingham-headquartered people-first transformation consultancy, launches today.

Bringing together Joe 's experience in partnering with organisations all over the world to design, coordinate and implement shorter work week trials, alongside Curium 's expertise in operational excellence and change management, the new Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence seeks to support and scale the widespread worldwide adoption of reduced hour schedules.

The business is based in Canada and will have global reach and ambition. Curium Solutions will focus on developing the proposition across the UK from their base in Birmingham.

Hundreds of companies worldwide have adopted four-day weeks - or equivalent shorter work weeks.

The Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence, will be supported by world-class researchers, change management experts, operational excellence specialists, future of work thought leaders, and four-day week pioneers.

It will design bespoke trials, programs and projects focused on the individual needs of companies.

The Centre will also support ongoing research on the impact and feasibility of reduced work time models.

The Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence will be an umbrella organization for three discrete areas of focus:

Businesses can receive a free shorter work week assessment and consultation that enables them to gauge how prepared their company is for a reduced working time project.

The Centre offers detailed business diagnostic service, and support for leaders in establishing and preparing a business case for a shorter working week.

Joe O 'Connor said: “This partnership is one of shared values to put people first, a shared vision to change the world of work, and a shared ambition to make reduced working time the new normal.

“I believe that together we can take the shorter working week movement to the next level, and deliver smarter working, greater work-life balance, more efficient businesses, and improved performance, and ultimately a better quality of life for all. I 'm excited to get started working with today 's changemakers and tomorrow 's pioneers to make this a reality. ”

Andy Dawson, director of Curium Solutions, said: “We have watched the momentum behind the move to shorter working weeks gather momentum throughout 2022, and the results that companies have been achieving are impressive.

“We 've got to know Joe and the team throughout the year. Our capabilities and values are perfectly matched.

“We are excited to be helping customers deliver a shorter working week solution that appeals to employers, employees, and customers alike. Let us change the way people work and put people first in 2023. ”

Pictured: Joe O'Connor and Andy Dawson