Four-day week is ‘future of working life’, says Atom Bank

Bloomberg

Six months after switching to a four-day working week, the UK’s Atom Bank said it has seen benefits from talent retention to improved productivity.
There was a 49% increase in job applications at the bank in January 2022 compared to a year ago, while staff retention rates have also risen, according to a press release on Wednesday. Days lost to sickness fell over the period and customer service ratings also improved.
The Durham, England-based challenger bank is one of a number of UK firms exploring new working patterns to meet growing demand for flexible employment following the pandemic. While some have questioned the feasibility of a shorter working week, Atom Bank has no such qualms.
“We firmly believe the four-day week is the future of working life,” said Anne-Marie Lister, chief people officer at Atom Bank. “We hope Atom’s experiences will encourage more businesses to make the shift permanently.”
Even as the pandemic recedes and some bosses push for a return to the office, there’s increasing evidence flexible work is here to stay. Office vacancies in central London are at the highest level in more than 15 years.