M&S has launched a new flexible working hours scheme to offer retail employees and store managers a better work/life balance.
The new scheme, named Worklife, is designed to offer over 3,000 retail managers additional days and hours to work their shifts from January 2023.
Store managers working for the retail giant will now be able to choose whether to spread their hours over five days or work a four-day ‘compressed’ week.
The decision follows a successful trial across 100 M&S stores, with 75% of the retail managers who took part agreeing that compressed hours had a positive impact on their family life and 73% saying it had a positive effect on time for themselves.
Marks and Spencer also launched an approach to making flexible working easier for job-sharing employees across stores and support centres, known as Job Share Finder.
“We want M&S to be a great place to work and shop – that means having engaged colleagues with a good work-life balance,” said M&S group HR director Sarah Findlater.
She added: “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.”
