HSBC UK Staff Face Bonus Cuts Over Office Attendance

HSBC UK has reinforced its hybrid working policy by warning staff that failing to meet a minimum office attendance of three days a week—or 60% of their working time—could result in reduced bonuses. This directive, which applies to all office-based employees across the bank's retail and commercial divisions, will be monitored through monthly attendance data and incorporated into annual performance reviews. HSBC's move aligns with similar policies adopted by other major banks, such as Lloyds and JPMorgan Chase, that aim to curb remote working and encourage in-person collaboration, especially for younger staff development. The policy has been in place for roughly 18 months but is now being enforced with stricter consequences tied to compensation. HSBC declined to comment on the memo, which was first reported by Bloomberg, reflecting wider industry efforts to roll back pandemic-era flexible work arrangements amid concerns about productivity and cultural cohesion. Meanwhile, studies indicate growing employee resistance to mandatory office returns, with many workers willing to seek new jobs to maintain remote or hybrid work options.