'Six years on, the results speak for themselves': Northern Ireland company hails four-day week success story delivering full pay, higher morale and standout performance

Northern Ireland’s largest accident management firm Crash Services is celebrating more than six years of operating a four-day working

week, reaffirming its commitment to employee wellbeing, productivity, and exceptional customer care.

As one of the first employers in Northern Ireland to introduce this model with no reduction in pay, the company continues to lead the way in progressive workplace practices.

Since January 2020, all Crash employees work 28 hours per week, reduced from 35 hours, while maintaining full pay. The change has delivered significant benefits, including improved work-life balance, higher staff morale, and consistently strong performance across customer service to motorists across Northern Ireland.

Operations & HR director Michelle Murphy said: “Our team supports customers during challenging and often stressful situations following an accident. Ensuring a healthy worklife balance enables our people to perform at their best, giving care and compassion to all our customers. When we introduced the four day week after a two-year planning project starting in 2018, there was palpable excitement across the business. Six years on, the results speak for themselves.”

Now celebrating 30 years in business, Crash Services says its focus has always been on building a positive workplace culture. The move to a four-day week was framed not as a cost-saving measure, but as a long-term investment in its people. In a recent staff survey, 94% of employees said the change had helped them achieve a better work-life balance.

The company also points to strong external results. Customer satisfaction remains high, with 99% of clients saying they would recommend the service, while 98% of employees would recommend the company as a place to work.

Michelle added: “Our research showed that time spent with family, friends, and on personal wellbeing is incredibly valuable to our team. The foundations we’ve built have allowed us to continue moving forward while delivering exceptional service to our customers.”

Marketing director Paula Mahoney explained: “From a marketing perspective, the four day week has become a powerful reflection of our core values. It demonstrates that we put people first, both our customers and our team. Our customer feedback reinforces this, with 99% of clients saying they would recommend Crash to a friend or family member and 98% of employees recommending Crash as a great place to work.

“That level of trust speaks volumes about the service we provide and the dedication of our people. Reduced hours has helped to strengthen our culture and our service, and we believe this model will continue to grow in popularity. We’re proud to have led the way and to share our results with others.”