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- Nationwide’s CEO says executives need to have a “physical presence” in the office
- The company’s RTO mandate is in effect for 12 months
- Extra childcare support should be offered to support this
The debate about hybrid working continues to rage, with the British banking giant Nationwide taking a stance against working from home in favor of job opportunities.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program (via u BBC), its CEO, Debbie Crosbie, stated that a “physical presence” helps employees access more career growth opportunities at work.
Last month marked the 12-month anniversary of the company’s return to office tenure, but the two-day-a-week policy has been less demanding than the tech industry’s standard three-day policy.
Nationwide is against WFH
Crosbie did not rule out working from home, acknowledging that it can offer the necessary flexibility for workers with caring responsibilities, but on the other hand, he indicated that managers should be present to set an example and be on hand for the their teams. they suggest that working in the office is a crucial part of becoming a leader.
She added: “Being seen and then seeing other leaders is a really important part of development…I benefited enormously from watching some really excellent leaders and how they navigated challenging issues.”
The boss’s position on remote work marks a significant change from his predecessor, Joe Garner, who supported flexible working arrangements.
At Nationwide specifically, men proved more likely to work from the office than women, leading Crosbie to urge companies to support workers and families with flexible childcare options.
Despite defending work in the office, Crosbie is desperate not to discriminate against those who are less able to leave the house: “We just need to be careful not to inadvertently prevent women from taking some of the opportunities by not being in the office. when they feel it is beneficial both for their skills and for contributing to the business.”
