Great Britain: positive results for the 4-day week at Atom Bank

At the end of August and following several months during which 4-day working week has been trialled, the app-based online bank operating in the northeast of England has concluded that the introduction of the shorter shortened week has been ‘overwhelmingly positive.’ Since 10 November staff at the bank have been able to work 34 hours over 4 days (c.f. article No.12809). Thanks to this new work organization, recruiting and retaining employees is easier, says the bank, which has also reported no negative impact. Indeed Atom Bank noted a 49% increase in job applications in January 2022, compared to January 2021. From November 2021 to June 2022, the bank’s headcount rose from 461 to 480, thanks in part to lower turnover. According to the group, which does not provide figures, productivity has also risen and sick leave has lessened. Currently, 91% of Atom Bank’s employees have adopted the shortened work week, 92% of of these workers have had to change their working methods so as to complete their tasks in a shorter time. This new way of work organisation is allowing them space to volunteer, play sports or spend time with their children. “We firmly believe the four-day week is the future of working life and it is encouraging to now see the range of businesses across the UK embracing the four-day week trials,” noted Atom Bank HR Director Anne-Marie Lister. Since June, dozens of British companies have followed in Atom Bank’s footsteps and adopted a reduced working week as part of a test designed by the lobbying group 4 Day Week Global (c.f. article No.12866).