New Look is updating its office attendance policy for its Buying, Merchandising, and Design (BMD) department.
- Starting January, the BMD staff will be required to work four days in the office each week.
- Currently, these teams are attending the office three days a week, with Friday remaining flexible under a hybrid model.
- The company asserts that the change aligns them with sector trends, aiming to bolster teamwork and quickness in addressing market shifts.
- No other departments in New Look will experience changes in office attendance requirements.
In a strategic move, New Look will implement a new attendance policy for its Buying, Merchandising, and Design (BMD) teams, requiring them to be present in the office four days each week starting January. Previously, these staff members have been splitting their time between three days in the office and remote work, with Friday set aside as a flexible hybrid day. By increasing office attendance, the company aims to foster better collaboration and responsiveness among these teams to emerging trade patterns and trends.
The BMD department is considered crucial for New Look’s product development and market adaptation. This change in attendance policy is designed to enhance team cohesion and idea generation, ultimately allowing for a more agile response to industry demands. The adjustment ensures that staff can work closely together to identify and capitalise on new opportunities within the retail fashion landscape.
While this directive applies specifically to the BMD teams, New Look has clarified that no similar changes will be implemented for other departments. This strategic decision is informed by trends observed across the sector, indicating a general shift towards more in-office collaboration for product-centric teams.
New Look’s decision mirrors a broader industry trend, exemplified by similar moves in other companies. Just recently, another major retailer, Asda, has announced adjustments to its office attendance policy as well, enforcing a minimum of three days in the office for their staff starting January. This reflects a growing emphasis on face-to-face interactions to strengthen business operations.
New Look’s revised office policy underscores their commitment to enhancing team collaboration and responding swiftly to market trends in the dynamic retail industry.
