Santander has announced a significant update to its hybrid working policy aimed at boosting in-office attendance. The change affects 10,000 UK office-based employees.
Replacing the current allowance of two days a week, staff will now need to work the equivalent of three days a week in the office.
In a recent update to its 10,000 employees, the Spanish-owned bank announced a significant change to its hybrid working policy. Santander will now require its staff to work the equivalent of twelve days a month in the office. This policy effectively translates to three days a week, replacing the current allowance of two days.
The changes implemented by Santander align with a broader trend among employers to increase on-site attendance. Many companies are making efforts to shift the balance of hybrid working towards more in-office time. For instance, PwC recently announced a similar policy for its 26,000 UK employees, increasing their required office days to at least three each week.
Santander’s new policy, which takes effect at the end of the year, aims to bring staff back to their desks while offering more flexibility than a rigid three-day requirement. The bank emphasised that an in-office presence is crucial for supporting and developing its employees, particularly those who are early in their careers.
Santander’s chief executive in the UK, Mike Regnier, works from his home in Harrogate, Yorkshire, at least one day a week. Despite his home working arrangement, his contract lists the £150 million Unity Place complex in Milton Keynes as his primary workplace.
Despite the lenient approaches of some firms, Santander hopes that by increasing in-office attendance it can foster collaboration and mentorship. The bank views these elements as essential to employee development and the overall workplace culture.
The bank hopes that by increasing in-office attendance, it can foster a more collaborative environment. This approach aims to enhance mentorship opportunities, which are seen as vital to employee development and the overall workplace culture.
This move aligns with industry trends and aims to support employee development, particularly for newer staff members.
The adjustments to Santander’s hybrid working policy mark a significant shift towards increased in-office presence. By mandating three days of office work per week, the bank aims to foster collaboration and mentorship, crucial for employee development.
While some organisations adopt a more lenient stance, Santander’s approach aligns with broader industry trends, reinforcing the value of workplace culture and face-to-face interactions, especially for newer employees.
