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M&S offers store staff four-day working week for better work life balance
75% of retail managers said the compressed hours had a positive impact on their family life
M&S will be offering its store staff a four-day working week in a bid to improve work life balance across the company.
The change has also come to better attract some of the ‘best talent in the industry’.
From January 2023, more than 3,000 retail managers will be offered flexible working options, such as spreading their hours over five days, working a four-day compressed week or nine-day compressed fortnight.
Part-time managers will also be able to access their own pro-rated versions of the compressed ways of working on offer.
M&S
This follows a successful trial across 100 M&S stores, where 75% of the participating retail managers said the compressed hours had had a positive impact on their family life. 73% also reported having more time for themselves.
Simon Pollitt, Store Manager at M&S Stratford-on-Avon who took part in the trial, saw the benefits first-hand of greater flexibility for his family.
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He said: “Working nine days over two weeks means I can get alternative Wednesdays off to look after my one year old son, which gives us quality time together and also helping to save money on nursery costs.
“It’s fantastic and feels ground-breaking in our field.”
M&S / Facebook
Sarah Findlater, Group HR Director at M&S, added: “We want M&S to be a great place to work and shop, and that means having engaged colleagues with a good work-life balance.
“Retail is a fast-paced industry but that shouldn’t mean missing out on the moments that matter. Whether caring commitments, the chance to get involved in your local community or to prioritise your own mental and physical wellbeing.
“We’ve listened to colleagues and are determined to create a cultural shift to flexible working across our stores. Those retail managers taking part in our compressed hours trial agree it’s been a gamechanger by giving them more choice and autonomy.
“We’re also always keen to put colleague ideas into action like our new Job Share Finder and are determined to keep exploring ideas that transform the way we work at M&S.”