Pitfalls of rigid structures | Why Deutsche Bank's latest remote working decision is misguided

In the post-pandemic world, flexibility and adaptability have defined how, and where, we work.

For most employees, this means having significantly more autonomy over the impact that offices have on their day-to-day. If you’re looking to brainstorm and connect, the office is there as a key tool, however for many the opportunity to get more focussed work done from home is invaluable.

It’s for this reason that Deutsche Bank's recent decision to prohibit staff from working remotely on both Mondays and Fridays is a step backward. By enforcing rigid attendance requirements, the bank risks alienating its workforce and undermining the very principles that have allowed many employees to thrive in this new normal.

The rationale behind Deutsche Bank's move, to "spread our presence more evenly across the week," may seem sensible on the surface. However, it fails to acknowledge the diverse needs and preferences of its employees.