Ilitaqsiniq, also known as the Nunavut Literacy Council, piloted a four-day work week across its Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit and Cambridge Bay offices from May 8 to Sept. 1, 2023. The summer trial moved staff to a condensed workweek — reported by Ilitaqsiniq and regional reporting as a 32-hour schedule with Fridays off — aimed at reducing burnout and giving employees more time for traditional activities such as harvesting and being on the land.
In Rankin Inlet, the change affected operations at the site now known as the Quluaq Centre (the space was renamed from the Ilitaqsiniq Library in October 2024). Ilitaqsiniq consolidated many community programs into a Monday-to-Thursday timeframe where possible; programs that required Friday coverage were handled through staff rotation so some services could continue on Fridays.
Midway through the trial, Ilitaqsiniq reported improvements in staff wellness, engagement and productivity measures, according to Executive Director Adriana Kusugak. The pilot officially ended on Sept. 1, 2023; the organization hired an external evaluator to assess impacts on employees and service delivery and has said it is considering whether a seasonal May–September model should be adopted in future years.
