Atom bank certified as a Great Place to Work in Newcastle 

Atom bank has been certified as a Great Place to Work, after achieving a Trust Index score of 82, based on confidential feedback from its workforce. 

The recognition follows a period of growth and investment in people and culture at the Newcastle-based bank, which employs close to 600 people. The certification is awarded following an independent survey of employees and measures workplace experience across credibility, respect and fairness. 

The achievement is in recognition of Atom’s stated vision of challenging traditional ways of working in financial services. In 2021, the bank became one of the first banks to introduce a four-day working week for all employees without a reduction in pay. Atom says the move has had a sustained positive impact on wellbeing, engagement and performance. 

More recently, the bank relocated its workforce to a new headquarters at The Pattern Shop in Newcastle, while maintaining fully flexible working. The site is designed to support collaboration, training and onboarding – and to act as a central hub for teams working across the business. 

Atom has also placed emphasis on inclusion and support. Over the past year, it has enhanced its family leave policies, introduced Menopause Champions and grown the Atom Women’s network to more than 100 members. 

Workforce development has been a further focus. Over the last 12 months the bank has welcomed 57 new employees, including eight graduate trainees. During the same period, 62 promotions and role changes and 26 secondments were completed, reflecting a strong emphasis on internal progression. 

Helen Wilson, chief operations officer at Atom bank, said the certification reflected the organisation’s ongoing focus on building a supportive and inclusive workplace. 

“Achieving Great Place to Work certification reflects the commitment of our people and the steps we have taken over the last year,” she said. “From investing in colleagues to opening our new headquarters in the heart of Newcastle, we are focused on creating a workplace where people can build long-term careers in the North East.” 

The Great Place to Work certification is based entirely on anonymous employee feedback gathered through the Trust Index survey, which assesses day-to-day experience rather than policies alone. 

Atom said it hopes the recognition will support its continued recruitment as it looks to attract people who want to work for an organisation recognised for its approach to culture and wellbeing.