PRESS RELEASE

25 January 2019

Norfolk accountancy firm shakes up the status quo on flexible-working for staff

An award-winning, Norwich-based accountancy practice with a national reputation for innovation, is continuing to break boundaries in its field by making major changes to the way its staff work. From 1st February 2019, team-members at Farnell Clarke will be able to work six-hour days, with total flexibility of when and where they work. Additionally, they will have access to unlimited annual leave: one of the first accountancy firms in the UK to offer such a benefit.

Farnell Clarke was founded by Will Farnell in 2007 and now employs 38 staff. As an acknowledged leader in digital accountancy, the firm has always been ahead of the game when it comes to its use of technology. But the firm’s innovative approach also extends to its people. With millennial’s making up 50% of its workforce, and a further 16% of the team belonging to Generation Z, Farnell Clarke is committed to providing an attractive and stimulating work environment which appeals to today’s, and tomorrow’s, generation of ambitious accountancy professionals.

Six-hour working days are popular in many businesses in Sweden. Reports have shown that by having more hours to spend partaking in healthy activities and exercise, immune systems are much stronger and therefore fewer sick days are taken.

James Kay is managing director of Farnell Clarke. “We are more interested in the output of our teams, rather than the amount of time they spend sitting at a desk,” he explains. “Of course, our staff will be expected to continue delivering the same high level of service to their clients, but we don’t feel that insisting on a 7½ hour day is critical to this. In fact, our research suggests that output will actually be improved by having healthier and happier staff, who can work with their clients’ needs without being restricted by normal office hours.”

“Giving our staff control over their hours and annual leave demonstrates that we trust them to deliver fantastic client service,” continues James Kay. “Client experience is at the heart of our business and we believe this will only improve with our new working model by encouraging staff to work smarter.”

Ben Peachment is an account handler at Farnell Clarke. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the new flexible working arrangements will benefit me and my clients. It’s going to take some getting used to, but I think exciting times are ahead.”

Rthirteen Recruitment has been a client of Farnell Clarke for more than five years. “We’re delighted to see Farnell Clarke bucking the trend and offering their workforce a six hour working day and unlimited holiday. Their adoption of cutting-edge technology in conjunction with having an incredible team of dedicated and talented people will make this work for them and us, their clients,” says Rebecca Headden of Rthirteen.

Farnell Clarke undertook a major refurbishment of its offices in 2017, introducing a pub-themed meeting room, creative work spaces and break-out areas. James Kay adds, “It is notoriously difficult to recruit and retain talented staff within the accounting industry. With our fantastic offices and flexible hours, we believe we’ll continue to attract the best people. Actively encouraging our staff to have a better work life balance is a core part of our culture. If our team is happy and motivated then they will be productive and deliver the best possible service to our clients.”  

ENDS