Time is money

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In the dynamic world of e-commerce, where seasonal peaks determine success, speed and flexibility are key. In 2022, Notino faced challenges that went beyond logistics: how to double the workforce? How to attract younger generations (Gen Z, Millennials)? And last but not least, how to compete with recruitment agencies that promised instant earnings?

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The company found the answer in a partnership with Czech startup Advanto and the Earned wage access benefit. Workers were given the opportunity to dispose of part of their earnings as needed and not wait until payday. With a few clicks, they can send their earnings to their bank account via a mobile app and have their money available in a matter of moments. "Our company tries to take an innovative and progressive approach not only to our external customers, but also thinks in the same way towards our internal environment," says Notino's HR manager, Jana Vričanová. 

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3, 2, 1 go!

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In March 2022, Notino started the integration of the Advanto system with the company's internal systems, namely the Aktion attendance system and the Helios payroll system. Already in April of the same year, the service was launched for temporary workers in the warehouse. More than ever, speed is a key component of competitive advantage. While other companies have been deciding for years whether to introduce a similar benefit, Notino managed the integration process within 4 weeks.  

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This has proved to be very successful. Within weeks, Earned wage access became the most popular benefit among temporary workers. "Advanta's goal was not to create another bonus. Our goal was to get employees to stop seeing a paycheck as something they wait months for. They've earned the money, so why shouldn't they be able to make decisions about it at any time?", explains Martin Fortelný, Advanta's co-founder and CEO. 

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No work, no cake

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The benefit setup is simple but well thought out. Employees are loaded with ⅔ of their earnings based on hours worked in the app, which they can select at any time. The first withdrawal of the month is paid by Notino for each employee. The daily limit was initially set at ⅔6,000 and later increased to ⅔8,000. Advanto also defaults to a minimum withdrawal limit of CZK 500.

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The limits have been set with the financial health of staff in mind, along with the ability to deal with unexpected expenses that need to be responded to quickly. "Part of the benefit is an educational programme and at the same time we give people the opportunity to solve unexpected situations in a different way than using various usurious loans", comments Jiří Havel, People Care Director of Notino.

Normally, financial issues are taboo, but younger generations entering the job market have a different attitude to money. Notino is a transparent company, and this approach is reflected in the communication of the Earned wage access benefit. Over time, Advanto has become part of the company culture. In May 2023, it was part of Safety Day, where employees were reminded of the ability to access earned money and an overall view of spending. "We're not about people collecting as much as possible. We wanted to teach them how to use the benefit wisely - perhaps to cover unexpected expenses without borrowing," Fortelny explains. 

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From the warehouse to the entire company

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In the first month, 50% of the temporary workers registered. "Giving people a say in how they choose to spend some of their money has given us a huge competitive advantage in recruiting people and keeping them happy with us. We made Advanto available to temps first. It has generated a lot of interest among them and has become one of their most used benefits," Vričanová sums up. The success with the temps was just the beginning. By September 2022, Notino had extended the benefit to all employees - from retail branches to the back office - and in October of the same year launched the service in Slovakia.

As of January 2025, the average withdrawal amount was CZK 2,517, with an average of 3 withdrawals per user per month. In total, over CZK 51 million has been paid out. An average of 212 employees use the benefit each month. Overall, 1,604 users have withdrawn at least once out of a total of 2,748 registered employees, representing a 58% take-up rate. "People have come to expect the benefit to be secure and transparent. They know they can withdraw exactly as much as they need, with no hidden charges. It's not just about money, it's about trust," Fortelny adds.  

The benefit is mostly used in logistics, where people work variable shifts. The sight of money worked acts as a motivator for people. In addition to reducing financial stress, it increases productivity. As Fortelny sums up, "When you give people control over their own money, it changes the relationship with work. Suddenly they are not 'workers' but partners." 

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Hit the bull's-eye

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Notino has included Pay Anytime in its recruitment campaign. According to internal data, the interest in temporary jobs has increased more than 2 times. With the help of Advanta, the company has successfully tackled all the challenges ahead of the seasonal peak and, in addition to new recruits and a competitive advantage on the labour market, has also strengthened its employer branding and trust between employees and employer. "Employees don't have to go to HR and ask for advances, which is an administratively arduous process. Instead, they can immediately see what they are entitled to in the app and can withdraw the money easily," comments Michal Daniel, Chief People and Legal Officer at Notin. It is the simplicity of the system that has been the key to high adoption.

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Based on the positive experience, Notino plans to extend the benefit to other countries where it operates. During the next period, the plan is to implement this service in Poland, where the company employs more than 1,300 people. "We have done hundreds of integrations with countless systems. I dare to say that the technological integration of our solution into other Notina branches will not be difficult for us and we are looking forward to it," comments Jan Kölbl, CTO and co-founder of Advanta. With this move, Notino wants to strengthen its attractiveness as an employer and continue to improve employee satisfaction.

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Earned wage access at Notino shows how an innovative approach can positively impact recruitment, retention and overall employee satisfaction. When speed, satisfaction and reduced administration are combined into one solution, the result is a game-changing benefit.

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Do you want to be inspired by the example of Notino? Contact Advanto to find out how Earned wage access can strengthen your company. 

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You might also be interested in: How more frequent payroll allows retailers to compete with employment agencies