A shorter working week allows more time for more relaxing activities -like a walk in the woods
Online lender Atom Bank has decided to make its four day working week permanent after a year long trial improved customer service and productivity.
The company, one the pioneers of shorter working hours during the pandemic, said moving staff to a four day week without a cut in salary had resulted in “a significant positive impact on employees, customer service, and operations.”
Atom Bank first introduced shorter working week to improve staff work life balance in November last year.
Since then its customer goodwill rating has risen from 83 to 87 in November this year, while its apps are now both rated 5*. It also reached 7.7 on Trustpilot, the third highest of UK bank.
Meanwhile job applications are up by a third and the departure rate is down by a fifth.
Chief people office Anne-Marie Lister, said: “Moving to a four-day week has not been without its difficulties, however it is one of the most transformative things we’ve done as a company.
“Since we launched our trial in November 2021, we have not only seen a more productive, healthier, and, crucially, happier workforce, but our customer service metrics are at record highs and more people are looking to start a career with Atom.
“It took a lot of planning, communication and listening to make it work, but having started out as a pilot we have now confirmed the new working structure into people’s contracts.
“Sceptics may argue that a business couldn’t grow under a four-day week, however this year has been one of continued progress and development at Atom. Customers have flocked to the bank in record numbers and the service we have offered them remains among the best in the country.
“With our latest capital raise allowing us to fuel further growth, we are confident that we will see another fantastic year for the business and our people as we move into 2023.”
