Barclays employees oppose three-day office mandate

Thousands of Barclays employees demanded concessions after the bank increased its office requirement from two to three days a week.

The change is set to take effect next month. 

Ronni Zehavi, CEO and co-founder at HiBob, said: “The reaction to Barclays’ mandate is a reminder that blanket return-to-office policies overlook the reality of how work gets done. 

“For employees, an extra day means higher commuting costs, more time travelling and added pressure for people with caring responsibilities.

“The office is most valuable when there is a clear purpose, whether that’s helping teams collaborate, make decisions or build stronger connections. Presence does not automatically equal performance.”

Zehavi added: “Good workforce decisions start with a clear view of how the organisation works. 

“Leaders should look at what the role, team and business needs, and then design ways to working that support people and performance. 

“Workforce transformation means moving beyond one-size-fits-all rules.”