M&S launches flexible working for store staff

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Nov 2, 2022

M&S is introducing flexible working to provide more choice for its store staff. Called Worklife, the changes 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”.

Working with its National Business Involvement Group, the retailer has introduced a series of changes. These will see over 3,000 M&S Retail Managers having additional flexible working options available to choose starting from January.

As well as opting for either full-time or part-time hours, managers can choose whether to spread their hours over five days, work a four-day compressed week, or a nine-day compressed fortnight. 

Part-time managers will also be able to access their own version of the compressed ways of working on offer. 

M&S said this follows a trial across 100 stores, with 75% of the retail managers participating agreeing that “compressed hours had a positive impact on their family life and 73% on time for themselves”.

Meanwhile, ‘Job Share Finder’ launches to become a new approach to make flexible working easier for those staff able to job share. 

The platform enables staff across stores and support centres to upload a biography and connect with potential job share matches. The idea originated from staff at M&S’s International Women’s Day Ideathon in March earlier this year, inspired by those returning from maternity leave and wanting more flexibility.

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.” 

She 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.”