Truth, Lies and Work

183. Does the 4-day work week really work? with Jeanette Ramsden, CEO at The Curve Group

Mar 27, 2025

49:46

Welcome back to Truth, Lies and Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

🎙 Meet Our Guest: Jeanette Ramsden

This week, we're chatting with Jeanette Ramsden, CEO of The Curve Group—a top UK-based HR and recruitment consultancy that's successfully transitioned its entire workforce to a flexible 35-hour working week. Jeanette is known for shaking up outdated workplace practices and creating thriving cultures built on trust, flexibility, and genuine employee wellbeing.

📌 What's Covered in This Episode?

Jeanette joins us to discuss her real-world experience in ditching the traditional five-day workweek. You'll hear about the practicalities of implementing true workplace flexibility, from managing client expectations to recalculating holiday entitlements. She shares why genuine flexibility—rather than simply giving everyone Friday off—is crucial, especially for employees juggling caregiving responsibilities.

We also dive into how reducing hours has actually boosted productivity and engagement across her business. Jeanette challenges the common misconceptions that fewer hours equal less productivity and explains how a flexible approach has significantly improved employee retention and satisfaction at The Curve Group.

🚀 Connect with Jeanette & The Curve Group

Jeanette Ramsden on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-ramsden-0946a83/

Visit The Curve Group website:

https://www.thecurvegroup.co.uk/

Explore insights and webinars from The Curve Group:

https://www.thecurvegroup.co.uk/insights/

📅 What’s Coming Up Next?

Join us next Tuesday for another episode of our regular This Week in Work segment. Expect the latest workplace news, our famous Workplace Surgery, and another bold hot take from an industry expert! 🔥🎙

🎯 Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who would benefit. We love hearing your thoughts, so tag us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation!

Thanks for tuning into Truth, Lies and Work—see you next week! 👋

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.

Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)