With the gradual retreat of Covid-19, bank employees are gradually returning to the office. However, this is not the time for a massive return to face-to-face working, but rather for a new organization of work. Flex office, partial telecommuting: what are the new rules in French banks?
Sensors to organize the flex office
On their return to work, some bank employees were surprised to find a surprising piece of equipment under their desks: sensors, similar to those installed in parking lots to keep track of the number of free spaces.
These sensors have been installed in some of the Paris offices of Groupe BPCE and Natexis, as well as in Société Générale's offices at La Défense.
Their aim is to improve the organization of the flex office, also known as flex desk, which consists of working face-to-face, but without a fixed desk. Thanks to an application, employees can know in advance the occupancy rate of offices, and see which workstations are free.
American banks Citigroup, JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs already installed these sensors several months ago in their New York offices, in spring 2021.
In France, the head offices of major banking groups have not yet opted for a massive return to face-to-face working. Although the Covid-19 epidemic has reached a relative lull, a rebound is still possible, so caution is advised. The protocols adopted since the beginning of the health crisis are still in force. Health conditions permitting, they should be abandoned from October onwards.
Bank employees, between telecommuting and face-to-face work
Most groups have opted for a mixed organization, with employees dividing their week between telecommuting and face-to-face work. For example, BNP Paribas employees whose activity is compatible with this organization can visit the offices two days a week, while Crédit Agricole SA employees can continue to telework two days a week.
Work organization is much the same at Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale offices, where a rotation is organized between face-to-face and telecommuting employees. In Société Générale's buildings, everyone is required to work on site two days a week, and the occupancy rate of the La Défense offices is limited to 50% of the workforce.
The organization of work is not the same, depending on the activity. For example, the presence of employees working in branches is required, as is that of traders in investment banks, for greater responsiveness and security.
Company agreements signed over the past few months, aimed at making teleworking permanent for a maximum of two days a week, came into force in June at Groupe BPCE. They should be implemented in October or November by BNP Paribas, CMAF, Société Générale and Crédit Agricole SA.