24 February 2023 , 15:32
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Sainsbury’s has launched a four-day working week trial for some of its staff.
The UK's second-largest supermarket chain has given employees at its head offices in Holborn, Coventry and Milton Keynes, as well as its warehouses, and store managers in its 1,400 UK stores, have been given the option.
Sainsbury's employees must still work 37.5 hours per week, however, this can be done a little more flexibly under the new working structure.
Eligible staff will be allowed to choose how they work their hours, such as working four longer days, or at the weekend, so they can have more time off in the week.
However, it has been reported that staff would not be permitted to take consecutive Fridays off from work.
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According to the big four supermarket, it introduced the policy in order to improve flexibility for its staff and to work more efficiently.
Sainsbury's would also like to position itself as a great place to work.
The four-day working week however has not been offered to store workers below management, as they have different working patterns across the business.
The supermarket chain said it was supporting its store staff as it has recently upped their hourly wage to at least £11 an hour.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We are always looking to evolve our ways of working to ensure we can do the best possible job for customers while continuing to be a brilliant place to work for our colleagues.
"We are currently testing new ways to be more efficient and offer improved flexibility.
“At the same time, we are committed to supporting colleagues when they need it most.
"That’s why we have recently invested £185million to give retail hourly-paid colleagues a pay rise to help them manage increasing bills."
The supermarket's move came just as the vast majority of companies taking part in the world's largest four-day working week trial opted to continue with the new working pattern.
Of the 61 companies that entered the six-month trial, 56 have extended the four-day week, including 18 who have made it permanent.
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The trial found that employee well-being improved significantly for those taking part, with workers experiencing less stress and burnout as a result of reduced anxiety and being able to juggle work, caring responsibilities and social commitments more easily.
There was also better job retention and a substantial reduction in sick days taken during the trial period from June to December 2022.