Primark Ends Telework Policy; Staff to Return to Office Four Days Weekly

Primark is going back to the office, and it's not alone. Since Amazon opened the door last year, eradicating the possibility of its employees working from home even one day a week, one after another, large companies have been falling. This time it is Primark, which has already informed its workers of the changes. Although less heavy-handed than the U.S. platform: the Irish company has maintained one day of telework per week.

The return to the office will take effect in mid-September, as advanced by Drapers, and teams will be able to work from home on Fridays and finish their day at 2pm. The company has reported that, after having tested full teleworking, hybrid teleworking and face-to-face teleworking, the latter is the most efficient.

"We know that when employees are together, in person, productivity increases, as well as creativity and development, and a better product can be delivered to customers," the company maintains. However, the company tries to quell nervousness. "We understand that work-life balance is very important, so we will continue to offer flexible schedules," it has assured, but without telecommuting.

Primark is following in the footsteps of large companies, which are following the trend of phasing out teleworking.

Along with Amazon and, now Primark, this week John Lewis has also called for a return to the office for workers, who will have to work in person for more than half a week.

According to the latest results published, the Irish company only managed to grow by 0.6% in the first quarter, a poor result, despite the fact that it managed to keep its sales positive. The company's operating profit rose by 5.71%, far from the 53% increase the company posted for the whole of the 2024 financial year.

In the first half of the year, the group appointed Eoing Tonge as interim CEO to replace Paul Marchant, who was accused of improper behavior towards a female employee.