The Three-Day Workweek: Did This Chick-fil-A Franchisee Unlock the Secret to Employee Retention?

It is no secret that franchisors and franchisees alike are struggling to retain employees right now. According to a survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by staffing franchise Express Employment Professionals, 42% of U.S.

companies said employee turnover increased in 2021, costing them an average of $26,511 in lost productivity and recruiting. Recently, a Chick-fil-A owner in Florida came up with his own unique solution: a three-day work week where every day includes 13- to 14-hour shifts. So far, it appears he may be on to something.

The location is reportedly on track to generate around $17 million in sales this year and has seen an impressive 100% employee retention since implementing the schedule.

Justin Lindsey, who operates a Chick-fil-A in Kendall, designed the program with the goal of “reducing burnout, increasing retention and giving employees a consistent work schedule,” USA Today reported.

“My idea was to provide staff with this gift of time by creating a scheduling system where they would know exactly what days they worked for as long as they work here,” Lindsey told Insider.

By dividing the staff into two “pods” that rotate between three-day blocks of 13- to 14-hour shifts, Lindsey says he can provide all team members with full-time hours during the six days of the week Chik-fil-A is open. This shortened and consistent schedule allows employees to not only enjoy a long weekend but also to better plan their lives outside of work in advance. For example, Lindsey says the strategy has positively impacted several employees who used to work up to 70 hours per week and often skipped vacations.

The program, which has been active since February, has significantly increased employee retention and attracted a slew of new applicants. QSR Magazine reported that a single job opening this fall received more than 420 applications.

While shortened workweeks are still a relatively radical idea in the U.S., the concept has been picking up steam in the UK as brands look for ways to combat employee turnover and boost retention. In fact, a survey from Qualtrics found that nearly all U.S. employees (92%) say they want a four-day workweek, citing improved mental health and increased productivity as the perceived benefits. Three out of four employees (74%) say they would be able to complete the same amount of work in four days, but most (72%) say they would have to work longer hours on workdays to do so.