Asian bankers face ‘new normal' as they return to offices

Despite the measures, some have expressed relief at physically seeing their colleagues again.

Thousands of bankers have returned to their offices across some of Asia’s biggest financial hubs, stepping gingerly into a new normal of face masks, desk shields and closed canteens, reports Bloomberg.

In Hong Kong, Citigroup is planning to install plastic partitions in some workstations as it ramps up office staff. Morgan Stanley has recalibrated the elevator in its Hong Kong skyscraper for faster rides and fewer passengers.

At Bank of China’s Beijing hub, the staff kitchen is closed, forcing employees to take turns getting boxed lunches for their colleagues.

Despite these extra measures, some bankers in Asia have expressed relief at returning to the office after weeks at home, even if back to work hardly means back to normal.

“Coming back into the office yesterday, there were a lot more personal interactions—within respectful distance,” said Anthony Davies, who heads the Hong Kong branch for Barclays Bank, which increased its office staffing to 60% this week. “It reignites a positive environment for us to work in.”

Here’s more from Bloomberg.