Is the work-from-home revolution continuing to fade?
Scotiabank is increasing its in-person work requirement for certain employee groups to four days per week starting in September, making it the second major Canadian financial institution to set this expectation.
The policy shift applies to teams operating in office spaces that can accommodate the additional onsite presence.
For departments without sufficient space, employees will transition gradually as additional real estate becomes available. Some groups may continue with remote arrangements, depending on job functions.
Scotiabank spokesperson Clancy Zeifman said the bank has observed benefits from increased in-person collaboration, such as career development and team engagement. Zeifman stated that the company intends to move toward four days onsite for most teams over time.
The announcement comes after Royal Bank of Canada became the first among Canada’s largest banks to mandate a four-day in-office schedule beginning this September.
RBC began requiring a minimum of three days onsite in spring 2023, citing internal concerns over employee connection and the organization’s long-term adaptability.
With over 200,000 employees across the six biggest Canadian banks, workplace policy changes from institutions like Scotiabank and RBC can influence employment practices across the financial services industry.
US banking institutions have taken a firmer stance on onsite work. JPMorgan Chase has already required staff to return full-time to office settings. Other US-based firms have made similar decisions, with a focus on reestablishing pre-pandemic work arrangements.
Scotiabank’s plan introduces a staggered rollout rather than an immediate transition, reflecting considerations around office space and operational demands. The policy appears aimed at standardizing work setups across teams while still accommodating logistical limitations.
Return-to-office strategies continue to vary among employers, with some organizations expanding physical presence requirements while others maintain hybrid models or remote-first policies.
