Communications network M and C Saatchi Group has introduced an inclusive bank holiday policy as part of its ongoing strategy to create a diverse, supportive and equitable work environment for its 700 UK staff.
Every UK-based employee, regardless of length of service, will now be able to swap up to two official bank holidays for alternative workdays of their choosing.
This flexible approach, which enables staff to take time off to observe the religious, spiritual, faith- or belief-based celebrations that matter to them, has been introduced in order to recognise that UK bank holidays do not reflect all of the religions and cultures that are important to the population.
This is the latest in a series of talent initiatives introduced by M and C Saatchi Group. It recently launched 'Stay Interviews', an alternative to the traditional exit interview which was designed to understand what makes employees happy and motivated, before they have a chance to become dissatisfied and leave, at which point it might be too late.
In January, M and C Saatchi Group also launched a partnership with Bright Horizons, which included the introduction of 10 'back-up care days' per year for employees who are parents or carers.
Richard Thompson, UK group chairman of M and C Saatchi, said: “We believe that in order to attract and retain the best talent, we must foster an inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone can thrive. The new policy joins existing initiatives such as our Stay Interviews and mental health tools as ways in which we can enable all our people to reach their full potential.”
The group's UK people director Charlie Glynn added: “The new initiative forms part of a roadmap of activity we are committing to as part of our new diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. It represents an important milestone, reflecting our commitment to building a more diverse workforce and inclusive workplace.
“No one action will make the difference alone, we recognise it will be a series of bold initiatives that bring about meaningful change over time for our people, culture, industry and society.”
