Survey Results Support Bay of Islands Freedom Friday
Results from a survey released today back a call for employees to finish work early on Fridays as part of a new Bay of
Islands Freedom Friday campaign.
Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands, Northlands largest sightseeing tour and cruise operator, is spearheading the
innovative new campaign. It is designed to reignite New Zealanders’ love affair with the Bay of Islands and increase
visitor numbers to the region.
Research on workplace productivity patterns was carried out by Perceptive Research using a sample of 452 respondents.
Findings are expected to be music to the ears of employees but may be greeted with less enthusiasm by employers.
Not unsurprisingly, 83% of workers surveyed believed that finishing work early on a Friday would decrease stress levels
and increase workplace morale.
Research findings confirm that 70% of workers admit to being most easily distracted by non work activities on a Friday
afternoon. 51% also owned up to giving priority to their social arrangements over work tasks on a Friday afternoon.
Charles Parker, General Manager, Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands, says, “This research confirms that two thirds of
Aucklanders would be more likely to get out of the city for the weekend if they finished worked early on a Friday and a
number of those have the Bay of Islands in their sights.
“Savvy employers have the opportunity to motivate staff by allowing them to leave early on a Friday. The Bay of Islands
is an easy three hour drive so whether you leave work at 1pm or 6pm on a Friday you can still get there in time for
dinner before enjoying a relaxing weekend away.”
Karen Sew Hoy, Human Resources Director, DDB Group New Zealand, says, “Formalising the call for early Fridays with the
Bay of Islands Freedom Friday Campaign is a fantastic idea. At DDB Group we have been trialling summer hours and not
only do staff love it but overall staff engagement levels have increased. Our clients have also supported the
initiative.”
Leadership and people development consultant, Lesley Slade, says, “Smart employers like advertising agency DDB Group
have tapped into a motivator that is more powerful than money ie: time. Many organisations expect staff to work extra
hours when required so this is a way of rewarding them.”
The Bay of Islands Freedom Friday Campaign aims to remind stressed out Aucklanders that the winterless north could be
just the anecdote for a busy Auckland working week and it’s as easy as jumping into their cars on a Friday afternoon.
Alison Smith, National Director of Sales, Conferences and Incentives, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand says, “We love to see people unwind over a long weekend or more at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands, especially if they have not been to the region before as there is always something new to see
and do.”
ENDS