Our aspiration is for Auror to be the best place for people to do their best work. We know that achieving incredible results as a team isn't just about the hours worked - it's about working smarter and maintaining a sustainable work-life balance where wellbeing is central to the conversation. 

Our 4.5-day work week at 100% pay initiative is our take on workplace flexibility.

Shorter Work Weeks (SWW) gives our team the flexibility to finish up early on a Friday and get a head start on their weekend. Friday afternoons have become a special time for people to prioritise what’s important to them.

The core principle behind this benefit is simple: by giving our team members more time to recharge and pursue personal interests, we create an environment where creativity, productivity, and wellbeing naturally flourish.

Here’s how three of our amazing team members are using this time to thrive personally and professionally.

For Hannah Sakaluk, our Technical Support Engineering Lead, Friday afternoons have become a time to juggle her rigorous training schedule as a professional triathlete.

How do you use your Friday afternoons?

As someone who balances pro triathlon racing with my role at Auror, I use my Shorter Work Week in order to get in some extra training or to get my training done earlier so that I can spend quality time with my fiancé in the evening. During the week, it's tough to get in longer swims/bikes/runs, so it's awesome to be able to use Friday afternoons for a longer workout that I otherwise wouldn't be able to do during the week.

What do Shorter Work Weeks mean to you?

Having the flexibility of SWW has been really helpful to my mental health and in general I find it really helps me to bring my best self to work during the week. 

Striving to excel at both work and as a triathlete is definitely not easy, but SWW really helps me balance the two. 

This year, I qualified for my first 70.3 (half Ironman) world championships as a pro, which will be held in Marbella, Spain in November 2025!

‍On Friday afternoons, you’ll find Sarah Quinlan, one of our Product Managers, volunteering at the Wellington SPCA and soaking up some quality puppy time.

What does your volunteer work include?

I'm part of the crew providing care for puppies that the SPCA has in their centre and are looking to adopt out. This involves feeding time (always hectic), lots of cleaning, socialising the puppies and teaching them some of their first commands like "sit" before they find new forever homes.

What do Shorter Work Weeks mean to you?

Volunteering is a great way to round out my week and give back, and Auror's Shorter Work Weeks makes this possible. I love dogs and I also get to meet new people and other volunteers. There's nothing like puppy cuddles to make you feel good!

For Aaron Koumi, our Customer Success Lead in the UK, Shorter Work Weeks are an opportunity to spend quality family time with his three daughters, Mila, Sophia and Aria.

What do your Friday afternoons typically look like?

I usually pick the girls up from school around 3PM, and that’s when the fun begins! Whether it’s racing to the park, catching a movie, diving into something creative, or conquering the soft play jungle, we always pick something that guarantees fun and quality time together.

What do Shorter Work Weeks mean to you?

Time with my family means everything to me. When I had Mila, I was back at work within a week, and being in an office five days a week meant I hardly got to spend any time with her. It deeply impacted our ability to bond in those early days. 

Now, thanks to Shorter Work Weeks, I can prioritise time with my girls and build a stronger connection with each of them. They often tell me I should never leave Auror because they absolutely love our Fun Fridays - and honestly, hearing that makes me so happy.

SWW: an ongoing committment

Wellbeing in the workplace should always be a priority. It’s normal for people to experience an emotional rollercoaster during their working life and we believe that by prioritising wellbeing, we can best support our team to navigate this.

When people have more time to invest in their personal lives, they return to work more energised, focused, and ready to tackle challenges. Shorter Work Weeks are part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a flexible workplace culture that acknowledges the whole person - not just the professional side.

Are you looking for a workplace where wellbeing is a priority? Check out our open roles!