Asda has revealed that it plans to make hybrid working a permanent feature at its head offices once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
The 4,000 staff who work at Asda House in Leeds and George House in Leicester will be able to choose where they work, including home, in the office, or even at a store or depot.
The company admitted the model would not work for all employees and situations. For example, when staff require close contact with colleagues during training or need to attend team meetings. However, it said staff would have the flexibility to work from home when it is more productive to do so, such as tasks that involve planning or research.
There will be no set targets on the number of days employees will have to work from a specific location. Instead, people will be expected to work with their teams and line managers to strike the right balance between home and office working.
Jacki Simpson, Asda’s VP of People Operations, said: “We have learned a great deal about working patterns during the last 16 months and have seen colleagues work productively across different locations.”
She revealed that the retailer had consulted with staff about how they wanted to work in the future. “We know they welcome the increased flexibility of remote working,” Simpson said.
“However, they also acknowledge there is some work that is simply better done from the office, so as we move forward a hybrid working model is the right approach for our people and the business.”
England is set to lift the final Covid restrictions on 19 July and many businesses have indicated they will continue to allow flexible working. However, not all companies plan to embrace a hybrid approach with Goldman Sachs recently saying it wants people returning to its offices.
NAM Implications:
- A pointer for all suppliers and retailers.
- 4,000 Head Office staff will be able to choose where they work, including home, in the office…
- …or even at a store or depot.
- Radical and permanent.
- Welcome to the new normal…
