Marks & Spencer’s store staff will be given the option to work a four day week as the supermarket tries to find a better balance between life and work for its employees, Proper Manchester reports.

The change will mean that from January next year more than 3,000 retail managers will be given the chance to alter the way their working week looks.

Store staff will have the option to spread shift hours across a five-day week, working for four days per week or a nine-day fortnight, compressed.

Managers who work part-time will also benefit from the changes.

Marks and Spencer to offer staff members a four-day working week option

The decision to alter the working pattern of employees comes after a successful trial which saw 100 M&S stores participate.

75% of the retail managers who took part, said that compressed hours worked positively for them when it came to family life while 73% said they could spend more time on themselves, Proper Manchester reports.

Simon Pollitt, Store Manager at M&S Stratford-on-Avon, participated in the trial said: “Working nine days over two weeks means I can get alternative Wednesdays off to look after my one year old son, which gives us quality time together and also helping to save money on nursery costs.

“It’s fantastic and feels ground-breaking in our field.”

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Sarah Findlater, Group HR Director at M&S, said: “We want M&S to be a great place to work and shop, and that means having engaged colleagues with a good work-life balance.

“Retail is a fast-paced industry but that shouldn’t mean missing out on the moments that matter. Whether caring commitments, the chance to get involved in your local community or to prioritise your own mental and physical wellbeing.

“We’ve listened to colleagues and are determined to create a cultural shift to flexible working across our stores. Those retail managers taking part in our compressed hours trial agree it’s been a gamechanger by giving them more choice and autonomy.

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“We’re also always keen to put colleague ideas into action like our new Job Share Finder and are determined to keep exploring ideas that transform the way we work at M&S.”