An internal memo obtained by the Star Tribune reveals that employees at U.S. Bank are now required to work in the office for a minimum of three days per week. This directive represents a departure from the previous optional office hours policy, instituted a year and a half ago when CEO Andy Cecere expressed a preference for employees to be present at least three days per week.

Cecere had initially communicated this preference in November 2022 when most employees were working remotely due to the pandemic. He cited concerns about the erosion of collaboration, engagement, and the bank’s cultural unity as reasons for the change.

Effective this quarter, employees assigned office space are mandated to be physically present in the office for at least three days per week, with adherence to this requirement factoring into their annual performance reviews.

According to a memo reportedly authored by Elcio Barcelos and Mark Runkel, the bank’s human resources chief and transformation chief respectively, this shift aims to standardize the work experience, reinforce the bank’s unified culture, and foster a productive and inclusive environment.

Bank of America has also taken steps to reinforce office attendance, issuing “letters of education” to employees who fail to meet the bank’s office attendance policy.

Jeff Shelman, a spokesperson for U.S. Bank, stated to AOL that the bank seeks to strike a balance between providing flexibility for its employees while enhancing collaboration and relationship-building facilitated by in-person work.

As part of this transition, the bank plans to establish 24 hubs across the United States, investing in office infrastructure and upgrades in these locations. Employees residing within 30 miles of these hub cities will be required to report to the office.

U.S. Bank, like many other institutions, has faced challenges in motivating employees to return to the office post-pandemic. Deutsche Bank, for instance, announced that starting in June, managers must be in the office four days a week, with all other staff required to be present for at least three days. Additionally, remote work on Mondays following remote Fridays will no longer be permitted.

Bank of America has also taken steps to reinforce office attendance, issuing “letters of education” to employees who fail to meet the bank’s office attendance policy, warning of potential disciplinary action for non-compliance.