The move is one of the first of its kind to offer a creative spin on the flexible working schemes currently being tried across the UK. Alongside the announcement on social media Ocado Group said, ‘People are at the heart of our strategy. We now give them more flexibility to be closer to family or expand horizons.’

Demonstrating thoughtful employee engagement, Ocado Group has adapted its flexible working scheme to resolve logistical concerns from staff about visiting family abroad. The new scheme will allow Ocado Group employees who operated remotely during the pandemic to continue doing so in locations outside the UK for 30 days a year.

Claire Ainscough, chief people officer at Ocado Group has said that employees will still be encouraged to return to the office, despite the new flexible working arrangements. But, it has become clear that this degree of choice and flexibly is essential to retain employee engagement and support. Companies that have not done so have faced criticism in a post lockdown world, for example Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon rejected the notion that remote working was the new normal, claiming it did not suit the business culture.

Not only will the announcement from Ocado Group gain support from its internal audience, it will also work to attract incoming talent by highlighting its effective two-way communication. “First of these policies I’ve seen but sure it won’t be the last. Remote working does not equal work from home,” says Gemma Dale, HR professional and flexible working specialist.”

Ocado Group is the technology software and robotics platform that facilitates Ocado Retail.