Staff employed by a marine technology and engineering company on Portland are to benefit from a new way of working in what has been described as an 'industry-first' initiative.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic – when most people have been working from home – Global Marine Group (GMG) is introducing a new scheme governing future working that it says will allow staff to have more control over their work-life balance, while also helping the environment by cutting down on the daily commute.

The programme, GMG Evolution, encourages remote working for all employees. It is entirely optional, but staff will now be able to determine how much time they spend in the office compared to their home, giving them more power over how they work. Employees will also be able to adjust their hours so that they can work when they're most productive and move it around commitments such as childcare or school runs more flexibly.

The company, which specialises in installing and maintaining underwater cables, employs people around the world. Its depot at Portland Port provides services to the company's power, renewable energy, oil and gas and telecommunications customers.

Like other businesses, the company has been forced to adapt its working practices over the past year and invested in remote working.

This shift to 'hybrid' working has been hugely popular amongst staff, and this prompted the thinking behind a more flexible way of working, tailored to individual circumstances which benefits everyone.

Ian Douglas, CEO of Global Marine Group, said: “We are committed to continually searching for ways that we can offer flexibility on work location while ensuring the way we work meets our customers' needs. And there’s been no better opportunity than right now to make it happen.”

Internal data shows that half of the workforce have already seen a productivity increase through remote working.

GMG is modifying office locations so they are easier for teams to meet and work together on projects.

The company says the move will result in a 'remarkable' reduction in its carbon footprint as it will cut down on office energy, heating and lighting bills, and lengthy commutes for employees.

Mr Douglas added: “We’ve always prided ourselves on being trail blazers within our industry so to be able to introduce a scheme like GMG Evolution is something I’m tremendously proud of.

"I urge other businesses to follow suit and join us in this movement towards a healthier, happier work life.”