Marks & Spencer offers store staff four-day week in flexible working push

The changes – part of a new Worklife programme – are “designed to help existing colleagues achieve a better work–life balance, as well as helping M&S continue to attract the best talent in the industry”.

Fom January next year, approximately 3,000 Marks & Spencer retail managers will be able to choose whether to work full or part-time, and either a four-day “compressed week”, nine-day compressed fortnight or the more traditional five-day week.

The initiative followed a trial in 100 branches, with 75% of the retail managers that took part finding that compressed hours had a positive impact on their family life. It comes as retailers and other businesses battle to find and retain the best staff when labour shortages have afflicted consumer companies.

M&S is also adopting “a brand new approach” to make flexible working easier for people able to job share. A ’job share finder platform allows colleagues in stores and support centres to find potential job-share matches. The idea was proposed at the retailer’s International Women’s Day “ideathon” earlier this year, “inspired by those returning from maternity leave and wanting more flexibility”.

M&S group HR director Sarah Findlater said: “We want M&S to be a great place to work and shop – 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 game-changer by giving them more choice and autonomy. We’re determined to keep exploring ideas that transform the way we work at M&S.”

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