Portsmouth’s STR Group reduces working hours for staff

STR Group has introduced a shorter working week for staff, with an extra two and a half hours off every Friday.

Based in Portsmouth, the STEM recruiter hailed this the ‘next logical step’ after introducing hybrid working, expanding its flexitime policy and introducing summer trading hours over the past few years.

“We constantly seek feedback from our staff on the business, particularly in regard to their wellbeing,” said Jo Smith, group HR director.

“Staff overwhelmingly highlighted how much they appreciate more time at home with family, or to see friends and enjoy hobbies.”

The working week has been reduced from the standard 40 hours to 37.5, with part-time staff also receiving a pro-rated reduction to apply as they see fit.

Wages, meanwhile, have stayed the same.

CEO Darren Day added: “STR’s flexibility not only promotes work-life balance and mental and physical wellbeing, but also enables our employees to perform at their best, contributing effectively to the success of the company.

“We were therefore delighted to announce our new reduced working week for all staff.”

The STR Group was crowned Employer of the Year at The Business Magazine’s Solent 250 awards last year, celebrating the region’s top 250 companies by turnover.