What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced the end of its automatic Boxing Day holiday for staff, a decision made as part of cost-cutting measures. Employees will now be required to work on one of the peak Christmas days, 26, 27, or 28 December, and be available for three days leading up to Christmas Day. This change has drawn criticism from employees, who have expressed dissatisfaction on internal messaging boards, describing the move as a 'slap in the face.' The decision follows a cyber attack in April that caused disruption. M&S had previously closed its UK stores on Boxing Day in 2020 as a gesture of appreciation for staff efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Why It's Important?
The decision to end the Boxing Day holiday reflects the financial pressures faced by retailers and the need to optimize staffing during peak shopping periods. The move has implications for employee morale and highlights the importance of effective communication in managing changes to employee benefits. The backlash from staff underscores the need for companies to engage in dialogue and provide clear context when altering perks or policies. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between operational efficiency and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
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