M&S launches new flexible working offering for store colleagues
Marks & Spencer is launching a new flexible working scheme as it looks to provide more choice and flexibility for store staff.
The retailer said the changes are designed to attract the best talent in the industry and to help existing team members achieve a better work/life balance.
M&S has worked closely with its National Business Involvement Group to deliver scheme which is called Worklife.
From January 2023, over 3,000 M&S retail managers will be able to opt for either full-time or part-time hours and choose whether to spread their hours over five days, or to work a four-day compressed week or nine day compressed fortnight. The scheme will also apply to part-time managers who can create their own pro-rated version of the compressed ways of working. This follows a successful trial across 100 stores.
Sarah Findlater, group HR director at M&S, 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.”
M&S has also launched a job share finder platform where staff can upload a bio and connect with potential job share matches. The retailer said the idea came from colleagues attending its International Women’s Day Ideathon back in March and was particularly welcomed by staff wanting more flexibility after returning from maternity leave.
Findlater added: “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.”
