Back to Office Nonsense
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Back to office non-sense in banking has been sad. Many industries are also struggling with this however without using actual logic, you won't get employees to back your efforts and decisions. The banks on average have been looking at flex working where we will work in the office a few days a week and then work from home (wfh) a few days a week. Many of them behind closed doors are having department or team specific decisions though which are pushing for more days in the office than is being publicized. The backlash seen with Morgan Stanley is one reason banks aren't being super honest.
The goal of many banks is to enhance teamwork by being together in person. I see where they are coming from however they then implement rules such as masks for all and 6 feet spacing while in team settings. For quants communication due to international accents makes this more difficult and not being able to eat lunch and coffee together does not increase team work. If the banks are concerned with Covid (which they should be) then they should just have everyone work from home. It isn't increasing team work with having everyone come in and then creating rules that make it less effective to do team activities.