At the only kindergarten to join the four-day week pilot project, CIMM in Lisbon, teachers, assistants and management give a positive assessment, despite the “adventures” associated with organizing the new work model.
Like most of the companies joining the experience, the project began in June at a kindergarten in the Areiro area, where 23 people work caring for 85 children aged four months to three years, but preparations began in January.
“The most difficult part of the four-day week was the organization, the logistics, how it would go because it involves rotation,” since “the kindergarten is open five days a week at normal times,” says Francisca, director of the Maria de Montserrat Children’s Center (CIMM). Carneiro.
“How were we going to do this in a way that would meet day-to-day needs and get the job done the way we have been doing so far? It’s been an adventure,” says the man in charge who has been running CIMM since its inception. opening of the children’s center almost ten years ago.
The task turned out to be easier than expected as all the staff were dedicated and helped to exchange leaves with colleagues when necessary.
“People have made a big commitment, everything about the exchanges, all the people are very involved and actively participating, they help each other and – there was already a good environment – but I think it has even improved the way they communicate with each other “, says Francisca Carneiro.
According to him, teachers kept their working hours, but some kindergarten teachers had to work an extra half hour a day to be able to take a weekly break.
The kindergarten took advantage of the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic and was organized into “wards”, ensuring the constant presence of at least five people in each of them, that is, in both the nursery and one- and two-year-olds. – old numbers.
However, it was necessary to hire two people, one part-time, so that the kindergarten could implement the project while maintaining the adult-to-child ratio.
Productivity has risen to “joyful levels” as workers’ quality of life has improved, which has had an impact on the well-being of the children themselves.
According to Francisca Carneiro, it was decided that “if the well-being of the children is ever in question or deteriorates, the project will automatically stop”, but “it will not only continue, but will also improve”, and “the parents themselves are talking about this”. and even to say who would like the companies they work for to follow the example of kindergartens.
“Parents really like it. They may notice the absence of this or that person with whom they feel more comfortable, but they feel that they always have an answer,” the director guarantees.
Educator Leonor Granate, who was “very happy” with the four-day work week, also said parents “love this project” and that they find it an added value in a “very tiring” job.
The kindergarten teacher and mother of four daughters emphasizes the benefits of a four-day work week, which allows her to combine her family and personal life with her professional life.
“It was great to have a day to myself without having to come to work or stay at home with the kids, which often happens on the weekends. I am the mother of four daughters, so I have this opportunity. the day I take them to school and do chores or go to the doctor with one of them is the day I celebrate. It’s great not having to miss work to go to Social Security, the doctor, or take care of the house.” , emphasizes Leonor Granat.
Rute Ribeiro, Education Assistant, shares the same sentiment: “The four-day week was the best thing that happened to me in a long time. I think it was good for everyone to have another day off.”
The assistant says the new work model has allowed her to spend more time with family and friends, as well as take advantage of professional training opportunities.
“The fact that after this we have another free day is also reflected in the results of the other four days, because we have already seen work with different readiness and different desires,” says Rute Ribeiro.
The pilot project of the four-day week ends in December, but, according to the director of the kindergarten, in principle the model should be maintained in the future.
“We need to stop to think a little and understand the patterns [em que será feito no futuro]because the project has financial costs. But we also understand that there is flexibility and that perhaps as a team we can also think about this project by changing some things that will allow us to make it even more financially sustainable,” said Francisca Carneiro.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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