Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
From January 2023, M&S will offer its store staff a four-day working week.
More than 3000 retail managers will be offered flexible working options, such as spreading their hours over five days, working a four-day compressed week or a 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.
The change in working options is part of M&S’ mission to improve the work-life balance for its employees. It follows a successful trial across 100 M&S stores, where 75% of the participating retail managers said the compressed hours had positively impacted their family life. 73% also reported having more time for themselves.
Sarah Findlater, Group HR Director at M&S, said: “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 well-being.
“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 game changer 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.”
