Bank Holiday Every Week: Thriving Local Business Announces New Employment Opportunities and Celebrates Success of a Four-day Working Week
Innovative and dynamic Harthill-based business, Lazy Day Foods, is thrilled to have drastically increased turnover and continues to grow, creating new employment opportunities within the local community. In less than three years, turnover has doubled at the thriving free-from bakery, and they have delivered a hugely successful rebrand, in a bid towards the goal of becoming the leading supplier in the free-from sweet treats sector.
The pioneering growing business has recently introduced a four-day working week, a first among manufacturing businesses in Scotland. This unique approach has not only increased productivity but has also significantly improved employee satisfaction and work-life balance. The Lazy Day team are also delighted to be shortlisted for Employer of the Year at Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards with winners being announced on 7th September.
Founded in 2006, Lazy Day has pioneered the production of award-winning, high quality ‘free from’ and vegan treats. Operating from its state-of-the-art free-from facility, the company takes pride in being an integral part of the local community and has always put their people at the heart of their business. The pandemic was a catalyst for the leadership team to transform many of their working practices to provide a clearer development pathway for employees.
Since introducing the new four-day working week, employees have reported higher job satisfaction, improved work-life balance and increased motivation. The condensed work schedule has proven to be a win-win, boosting productivity while allowing employees more flexibility and the chance to enjoy longer weekends.
Catrina McKimm, night-shift Bakery Assistant, shares her experience of working at Lazy Day: “It’s great to finish at 6am on a Thursday morning with a long weekend ahead. This allows me to support my daughter and son-in-law by watching my grandchildren who I love spending time with. It’s a long shift but I work with a great team of people and I wouldn’t change this, as I love the condensed four days!”
Lazy Day Foods' commitment to its employees extends beyond the four-day working week. The company focuses on staff development, employee engagement, and maintaining a high-morale workplace. These efforts have contributed to successful recruitment and retention, even amidst industry labour challenges.
“I started at Lazy Day as a Bakery Assistant at the end of 2020. I have benefitted from great mentors who have supported the development of my skills. Only three years later, I have been promoted to Production Team Leader and I have also recently qualified as a forklift driver. I am still very much enjoying my role and I am proud to be mentoring new starters, having been there myself, not too long ago.” Jake McCombe, Production Team Leader
Emer Bustard, one of the co-founders of Lazy Day Foods, expressed her vision for the company, stating “Since our launch in 2006, the company has gone from strength to strength. It is a really exciting time for us at Lazy Day and we are delighted to be able to share our success with the wider community. We want to develop our staff so that everyone is as proud and happy to work for the Lazy Day family as we are. For us, this is what 'success' looks like. We want to ensure our people view food manufacturing as a career, not just a job. "
Dr Sally Beattie, also a co-founder, continues "We actively encourage cross-business development opportunities and our people are very much encouraged to have a voice within the company. Listening to our team members and ensuring their voices are heard is of utmost importance to us. It allows us to continuously improve our working practices and create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. By fostering open communication and a culture of respect, we can collectively drive the success of our company and make a positive impact in the lives of our employees."
Driven by their recent surge in economic growth, Lazy Day Foods is now seeking 40 highly motivated individuals to join their dynamic team as both Bakery Assistants and Hygiene Operatives. No experience is required and full on the job training will be provided. Opportunities can be viewed at https://www.lazydayfoods.com/vacancies
Employee case studies and founder interviews are available on request.
For more information, high-res imagery or for employee case studies or interview opportunities with the management team, please contact:
