As during the March lockdown, bank branches, considered by the government as essential businesses, remain open during the reconfinement. However, remote transactions and exchanges are encouraged.
Reconfinement: a health protocol already in place in bank branches
Considered to be operators of vital importance (OIV), just like electricity and gas suppliers and telecommunications operators, bank branches have been authorized to remain open to the public during the reconfinement, in force since October 30.
Unlike in March, there was no period of uncertainty linked to the introduction of a new operating mode. Staff now have the necessary protective equipment: masks in particular, but also hydroalcoholic gel and Plexiglas walls to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
However, customers are encouraged to carry out as many operations as possible online, to reduce the need to travel and avoid overcrowding. Exchanges by e-mail or telephone are preferred, and face-to-face appointments with advisors are recommended only when no other option is available.
Experienced customers and concerned employees
On the customer side, new habits were formed during the spring confinement. Thanks to the widespread use of tools such as videoconferencing and electronic signatures, 90% of appointments with advisors were now held remotely.
Decontamination has of course changed the situation, but new habits have not completely disappeared, and bank branches have not returned to the same level of activity as before the health crisis, when 80% of appointments took place on site.
However, many employees are concerned about the risk of transmitting the virus, at a time when it is circulating very actively throughout the country. Not all agencies have the same operating procedures in place: while some authorize staggered or reduced working hours to avoid busy transport periods, others have not made any specific arrangements beyond the health protocol already in place.
We therefore need to reflect on a number of measures, such as more telecommuting, team rotation and longer working hours.