Citi is calling its vaccinated employees back to the office at least two days a week beginning March 21, the bank’s human resources chief, Sara Wechter, said in a LinkedIn post Wednesday.
Wechter credited a steady decline in COVID-19 caseload and decreased risk for vaccinated workers among the factors leading to the bank’s decision.
“Returning to the office represents a return to normalcy in many ways, something we have all been craving for the last couple of years!” Wechter wrote. “Those who joined during the pandemic will finally have a chance to meet colleagues in person and experience our culture away from a screen.”
In her post, Wechter cited several benefits to in-person work, including “collaboration, exchanging ideas, apprenticeship, a greater sense of belonging and connection to our firm, and stronger relationships.”
The bank will monitor COVID-19 developments locally, she said, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to employees’ health and safety.
Citi last March was among the first banks to float a permanent flexible work schedule. However, it also held arguably the strictest stance on employee vaccination, giving workers a Jan. 14 deadline to upload their vaccination cards showing proof of inoculation against COVID-19, or to request exemptions. The company threatened to fire noncompliant employees by Jan. 31.
The bank placed roughly 150 employees on leave Jan. 15, according to The Wall Street Journal.
