// M&S launches a new flexible working offering – Worklife – to provide more choice and flexibility for its staff
// From January 2023 over 3,000 M&S retail managers will have additional flexible working options available to choose from.
M&S will offer store staff the option to work a four-day compressed week as part of its new flexible working policy.
Known as Worklife, the changes have been designed to help its workforce achieve a better work-life balance, in order to attract the best talent in the industry.
From January 2023, more than 3,000 retail managers will have 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 version of the compressed ways of working on offer.
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The roll-out follows a successful trial across 100 stores, with 75% of the participating retail managers stating that compressed hours had a positive impact on their family life.
The department store has also launched an approach to making flexible working easier for job sharing employees across stores and support centres, known as Job Share Finder.
The platform enables staff to upload a biography and connect with potential job share matches.
According to M&S, the idea emerged from its International Women’s Day ‘Ideathon’ in March, and was inspired by those returning from maternity leave who wanted 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.”
Findlater said M&S wanted to “create a cultural shift to flexible working” across its stores.
“Those retail managers taking part in our compressed hours trial agree it’s been a gamechanger by giving them more choice and autonomy.”
She said it was committed to “keep exploring ideas that transform the way we work at M&S”.
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