Global investment bank Citigroup has banned working video calls on Fridays in an effort to help employees break free from the “ruthless working day of the pandemic”.
Jane Fraser, the new CEO of Citi, told staff that the last day of the work week would be known as ‘Zoom-Free Friday’.
She also referred to May 28 as an industry holiday known as ‘Citi reset day’ and encouraged staff to book more holidays.
“I know, from your feedback and my own experience, the blurring of the lines between home and work and the relentless day of the pandemic has taken a toll on our well-being,” Fraser wrote in the memo, first published by Financial News reported. “It’s simply not sustainable.”
“After listening to colleagues around the world, it became clear that we needed to combat the ‘Zoom fatigue’ that many of us feel, and I overcame my initial resistance to this idea,” she continued.
‘We’re a global company working over time zones, but if our work is regularly flooded at nights, very early mornings and weekends, it may seem like we’ll fully recharge, and that’s not good for you, or ultimately for Citi. ”
Bankers complained that their workload exploded during the pandemic. A group of junior bankers at Goldman Sachs accused the bank last week of forcing them to endure “inhuman” conditions, including regular 100-hour work.
David Solomon, Goldman’s CEO, conceded that remote work is demanding too much for the health of employees.
‘In this world of remote work, it feels like we need to be connected 24/7. We all – your colleagues, your managers, our division leaders – we see it, ‘he said in a memorandum. “We are here to provide support and guidance. It’s not easy, and we’re working hard to make it better. ”
Companies worldwide are struggling to adapt to working conditions during the pandemic and in a post-closing world. The car company Ford has informed its 30,000 staff members that they can work from home even after the pandemic.