Asda owners the billionaire Issa brothers are trialling a four-day week at the supermarket in a bid to crack down on a revolt among disgruntled store managers.
As the grocery giant faces challenges from cost cuts and cultural concerns, it hopes hopes the move will mend relationships with managers who are “leaving in their droves”.
The presentation said the gradual loss of staff has “impacted the stability and capability of our teams in store which in turn has impacted the colleague experience and by extension our customers”.
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According the Telegraph, in the presentation Asda said it is actively advocating a “case for change” among store managers.
The ongoing trial of a four-day workweek, slated to conclude later this month, which will also include experimenting with other flexible working arrangements, such as shorter shifts.
It comes as scrutiny continues to build regarding the current running of Asda, as its growing debt pile weighs on the business and its market share lags behind rivals Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
By early 2024, the supermarket is set to see its debt interest bill exceed £400m, driven by escalating interest rates that are piling pressure on the private equity-owned supermarket.
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