New Look has announced a change for its staff in the buying, merchandising, and design (BMD) department.
- The new policy increases in-office workdays from three to four per week starting January.
- The retailer claims the move aligns with industry practices and will enhance team collaboration.
- The decision only affects the BMD team, with other departments maintaining their current schedules.
- This change is part of a trend as seen with similar strategies by companies like Asda.
New Look, a prominent fashion retailer, has unveiled plans for its buying, merchandising, and design (BMD) teams to increase their in-office presence from three to four days a week, effective January. This decision underscores the company’s commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment, deemed essential for quick adaptations to market trends.
According to New Look, the additional in-office day is intended to strengthen teamwork within its product-focused departments. The Friday of each week will still be reserved as a hybrid day, allowing flexibility while maintaining higher physical office attendance on the other days.
The fashion retailer clarified that this shift will not impact the working patterns of other teams, suggesting a tailored approach to specific departmental needs. New Look representatives cited alignment with wider industry trends as a rationale behind the decision.
This development comes at a time when businesses across sectors are reevaluating operational models post-pandemic. Notably, supermarket chain Asda announced a similar move, mandating a minimum of three office days per week for its staff, effective January, a strategy aimed at strengthening its operational position.
The decision by New Look reflects a broader industry move towards increased in-office work to enhance collaboration and responsiveness.
