(qlmbusinessnews.com . Fri 31st Jan, 2025) London, UK —
UK Businesses Rein in Remote Work: Barclays Leads the Shift
Barclays has announced changes to its hybrid working policy, requiring employees to spend an additional day in the office each week. The decision signals a shift towards greater in-office collaboration, following widespread adoption of remote working during the pandemic.
In a memo sent to its 85,000-strong workforce, the bank stated that most staff must now attend the office three days per week, compared to the previous two-day requirement. Client-facing and front-office roles, including investment bankers, will continue with a five-day in-office schedule.
A Barclays spokesperson explained, “We recognise the benefits of balancing flexibility for colleagues with the importance of working together to collaborate in our physical locations. Our minimum time in-office requirements vary between business areas depending on the nature of work and business needs.”
Industry Trend
The move follows similar decisions by major financial firms. JP Morgan recently mandated five-day office attendance for staff, effective from March. Lloyds Banking Group also announced that office attendance will be a factor in determining executive bonuses.
Mixed Reactions to Office Return
The shift has reignited debate about the effectiveness of remote working. Lord Sugar, star of BBC’s *The Apprentice*, has called for a full return to traditional office settings, arguing that younger workers need to learn from colleagues in person.
“I'm a great advocate of getting them back to work, because the only way an apprentice is going to learn is from his colleagues,” the 77-year-old entrepreneur stated.
Lord Rose, former chief executive of Marks & Spencer and Asda, recently suggested that remote working was contributing to the UK's economic challenges and harming productivity levels.
While hybrid working has offered flexibility, the tightening of policies by leading businesses may signal a broader industry shift toward increased office attendance.
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