Mark Mullen, CEO of Atom Bank, has made a bold statement about the future of work, predicting that employees may not need to work at all. The bank’s flexible structure and four-day week policy have set a new standard for workplace practices in the UK financial sector.
Atom Bank relocated its headquarters from Durham to Newcastle, but Mullen says he doesn’t expect employees to spend much time in the new office space. Instead, the company has no fixed policy for office attendance and allows staff to work from anywhere with occasional in-office days highlighted well in advance.
Mullen believes that flexible working is a crucial aspect of attracting top talent, as he puts it, “The best people get to choose.” However, he acknowledges that there are potential drawbacks to remote work, such as inefficiencies in resource consumption and managing personal life.
Mullen’s vision for the future of work is shaped by the advent of generative AI. He expects this technology to significantly impact the labor market, making traditional working hours obsolete. “I think a four-day week isn’t progressive, it’s bloody logical,” he said. Mullen predicts that organizations will offer shorter working weeks, such as three or even no days, as a necessity rather than a perk.
Mullen’s predictions highlight the need for companies to adapt to changing workforce dynamics and technological advancements. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely that workplaces will prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and reduced working hours to remain competitive and attractive to employees.
Source: https://fortune.com/europe/2025/03/13/atom-bank-ceo-running-4-day-work-week-cutting-working-hours-isnt-progressive-ai-make-bloody-logical