American multinational bank, Wells Fargo & Co., has announced 14 March, 2022 as the return-to-office date for its 2,54,000 global employees.
According to a Company memo accessed by Reuters, the employees will continue to work under a hybrid flexible model.
Out of the total workforce of 2,54,000, about 1,00,000 came under the essential workers ambit and had continued to report to work in offices. There will be no change in schedule for these employees. Initially, the permanent staff will resume work from offices, followed by the contract staff.
Wells Fargo has further announced voluntary return-to-office policy for its US-based employees, beginning February 9. Business meetings, client visits and travel can resume now for those employees who are fully vaccinated.
The Bank had to push back its return-to-office plans from December indefinitely, due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 at the time.
Now, fully vaccinated staff also have an option to not wear masks, subject to local restrictions, while unvaccinated employees are required to submit to testing and also wear a mask at all times in the office premises.
Recently, the India arm of Wells Fargo renewed its lease for two commercial buildings in Bangalore spread over 8.47 lakh sq. ft.. This is said to be the largest office lease transaction in India so far in 2022.
The Company’s profits had soared 86 per cent in the last quarter of 2021.
