Insurers are continuing to commit to hybrid and flexible working models but are not yet ready to introduce four day working weeks, they have told Health & Protection.
Earlier this month a report from University College London recommended UK businesses consider a four-day working week and regulate working hours to promote a healthy work-life balance supporting mental and physical health.
Aviva told Health & Protection its first responsibility was to be there for customers when needed so it operated seven days a week with five days being the norm for full time workers.
“We include flexible working in our job adverts and support requests for flexible and part time working from colleagues,” a spokesperson for the insurer added.
“Our people can take time out when needed too, including 35 hours’ paid carers leave per year and 12 months equal parental leave, of which six months is at full basic pay.”
Four day week not on our radar
Steve Collinson, chief HR officer at Zurich UK, noted the insurer has been a flexible working employer over a decade, with around 12% of its workforce employed on a part-time basis and more than half of this number (56%) working the equivalent of a four-day week.
“We also introduced our part-time jobs initiative two years ago which has enabled us to double the number of female job applicants,” Collinson added.
“While a four-day week isn’t currently on our radar, we continue to monitor the evidence and talk to employees about what works best for them. Our approach, is about removing barriers for people who need flexibility and supporting them in securing a healthy work-life balance.”
Wellbeing Days
Laura Young, head of HR and development at AIG Life, told Health & Protection the insurer operated a flexible working culture before the pandemic.
“Pre-pandemic, a third of colleagues worked from home, which enabled anyone with caring responsibilities to adapt their day to work and life balance. Now, colleagues locate for their day and continue to work flexibly. Be that doing the school run, caring for elderly relatives or looking after loved animals,” she said.
“There are lots of ways we try to say thank you for hard work. This week, AIG team members are taking another well-earned Wellbeing Day, and some will take it another time as they’re making sure we’re still there for customers.”
Hybrid working elevates company culture
Dominic Grinstead, managing director at MetLife UK, said hybrid working had provided many positives at the organisation.
“This way of working offers our employees much more flexibility, allowing them to balance all aspects of their daily life alongside their work – whether that’s family life, caring responsibilities, or just personal priorities,” he said.
“As well as giving employees back more time from commuting to spend doing what matters most to them, it also means that they can structure their work week.
“This could include a combination of putting time aside for concentration at home, and more collaboration when in the office to maximise the benefits of connecting with colleagues in person.”
Bur Grinstead noted hybrid working also elevated company culture, giving employees and employers the opportunity to connect in person.
“Collaboration drives innovation, but also personal connection which is so important to enhancing a stronger team dynamic,” he added.
“More importantly, the health and wellbeing of employees can more easily be observed in person and support provided in the moment.”