Financial organisation Metro Bank has implemented an optional shift pattern for its store workforce as of this month (February), allowing them to work four days and have a three-day break if they choose.
Existing and new employees will have the choice between either the existing five-day or the new four-day working week. Regardless of the shift pattern chosen, everyone will work the same hours depending on whether they are full or part-time. The bank confirmed that there will be no reduction in pay under the new system.
The bank currently offers customers extended opening hours during the evenings and weekends, with store employees working a traditional five-day shift pattern to manage this.
Carol Frost, chief people officer at Metro Bank, said: “We are famous for our culture and the focus we bring on recruiting the right people for our business and we believe this new shift pattern will be very appealing for those who need more flexibility in their working life.
“We trialled the new shift pattern in nine stores last year and it works really well for colleagues who need more flexibility in their working week. The new shift pattern is totally optional and nearly two-thirds (64%) our existing store colleagues will move to this new four-day week from February.”
Last November, consumer goods firm Unilever extended its four-day week trial to its Australia operations, following an encouraging 18-month pilot with its 80 members of staff in New Zealand.
The trial started on 14 November and will run for 12 months initially, with employees retaining 100% of their salaries while working 80% of the time, and aiming to deliver 100% of business outcomes. The results will be reviewed at the end of this year.