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06 May 2021

- Saffron Building Society has this week announced new flexible, hybrid working practices to be implemented immediately for all relevant staff.
- The society has offered flexible working for all office staff to accommodate the wishes of the wider team following internal feedback.
- The society considered the health and mental wellbeing of staff whilst delivering on the operational needs of the business with positive feedback from staff.

Saffron Building Society has announced to all staff that they are adopting a new flexible working strategy, which will take effect from June with most working this way at present - offering relevant staff the opportunity to work flexibly, within guideline requirements of the business.

The new working practices, developed by Claire Jose, Head of People, working with the executive team, have been built around internal feedback from staff. The new working practices will allow people to choose to work from home, or one of two cluster offices which will now form the society’s head office, to allow for social distancing and required safety measures as we continue to ease further out of lockdown. Outside of required core hours – those hours required to ensure business fluidity and collaboration - the remainder of the employees contracted hours can be used outside of the typical 9 to 5, allowing flexibility for working parents and with other personal requirements. The new approach allows for flexibility and uniquity for each individual requirement, whilst not affecting the operation of the teams.

Colin Field, Chief Executive Officer at Saffron Building Society, comments: “We are acutely aware that following the last year, people’s expectations of their working lives have shifted. Many have found that flexible working will allow them a better work life balance and provide them with more time with loved ones and looking after their own physical health. Sadly, nothing is a ‘one size fits all’ strategy, so we as an executive team and with our dedicated People Team - have created a procedure that supports the requests and suggestions sent to us via our colleague engagement platform and flexible working survey.”

The new procedures allow staff to choose working patterns to suit them and fit within the procedural requirements of a financial institution. creating two offices from which to work has allowed the society to invest in new office décor and safety features to allow all staff to work in an environment that is not only safe but comfortable, modern, and collaborative. The new office lay-out and technology encourages colleagues to work in a way that is unique to them but allows for greater inclusivity for all workers, whether in the office or working virtually.

Field continues: “The most important thing to consider when deciding the future working procedures was our people. People are what make Saffron Building Society what it is. Marrying that with the needs of the business was always going to be a challenge for us, and any business, but I think we have found a solution that protects the mental health of workers and the needs of the society and the response has been extremely positive.”

Saffron is also considering a ‘work anywhere’ approach to the remote element of flexible working – on which a decision will be made later in the year.

You can find out more about Saffron Building Society, the range of products available and the society’s work in the community by visiting: www.saffronbs.co.uk.