(Reuters] – The U.S. financial industry has been proactive in encouraging workers back to work than most other industries, however these plans have now come under increased scrutiny because of rapid spreading Omicron coronavirus variant.

Major U.S. banks still have staff in their offices from the summer. However, some of them are choosing to not host holiday parties while others strongly recommend staff get booster shots. These are the rules that Wall Street’s most prominent banks and financial companies have adopted to combat pandemics.

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Bank of America Corp (NYSE 🙂

According to someone familiar with the situation, the bank encourages employees to work remotely during the first week in January. The bank will offer on-site vaccination booster clinics to its employees across the nation.

Bank has been encouraging its employees since the end of summer to become fully vaccinated, and to receive their booster shots as soon as they’re eligible. There are several clinics available at the bank.

Citigroup Inc (NYSE:)

Citigroup requested that staff work at home for the first week of 2022. This was according to Reuters.

According to Reuters, a source familiar with the matter said that the bank informed its New York City employees on Dec. 15 that they would be able work remotely if it was possible during the holiday season.

While the bank is requiring all Americans to get vaccinated, they are not mandating boosters. A source earlier stated that the bank provides rapid testing kits and encourages employees to test before they go into the office.

Deutsche Bank (DE:)

According to an anonymous source, the German lender made COVID-19 boosters readily available to its staff in New York City’s new headquarters at Midtown since November.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:)

Goldman Sachs encourages its U.S. employees to work remotely until January 18, according to a spokesperson.

The offices of the COVID-19 Safety Protocols will be available. They include a mandatory mask, boosters for eligible populations (effective Feb. 1), bi-weekly testing and vaccine requirements.

In August, infections erupted due to the Delta variant spreading. The Wall Street Bank mandated vaccinations for its staff and visitors who entered its American offices.

A source close to the matter revealed that Goldman had in December delayed its New York holiday parties due COVID-19 worries.

Jefferies

According to Richard Handler, chief executive officer of the investment bank, Richard Handler posted an Instagram post requesting that staff work remotely from January 31.

Bank requires that all employees who wish to work in its offices are vaccinated against COVID-19. It has also stated it would require booster shots by Jan. 31 unless an individual is not eligible. Jefferies does not perform onsite testing.

It has also cancelled all travel except for essential.

JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:)

According to Reuters, JPMorgan offered employees the opportunity to work from home the first two weeks in 2022. However, all employees must return to the office by February 1, according to a memo.

In August, the largest U.S. bank mandated that all employees wear face covers in public settings. This was in addition to their vaccination status.

Oct. was the month when the lender announced that they would not allow employees to travel on business if they aren’t vaccinated. These employees must be tested at least twice per week, and they are also required to contribute more money towards medical insurance. The law also required vaccines to be given to new hires who work with clients.

JPMorgan allowed Manhattan-based unvaccinated workers to work remotely in December. JPMorgan also removed the mask requirement for employees vaccinated in Manhattan. Managers were also told by the company that it would evaluate them more frequently to determine “who should be allowed to return home”

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:)

Morgan Stanley will require all employees and contractors to present proof of immunization before they can enter its New York headquarters. A spokesperson for the bank stated that visitors and staff do not need additional COVID-19 testing.

Staff who do not need to travel to the office are expected to make use of the option to work at home to enjoy more family time and be able to benefit from the benefits. A source who is familiar with the matter said that it does not send staff home or have a policy regarding work-from-home.

Wells Fargo (NYSE:) & Co

The lender has delayed plans to allow employees to return home “due to changing environmental conditions.” According to the lender, it announced new plans for an employee’s full return within the next year.

Wells Fargo said that its offices were open to anyone who has been immunized and wishes to make use of them. If eligible, the bank will pay four hours’ paid vacation to employees who wish to have their booster shots.

Employees are also required to show proof of being fully vaccinated and get regularly tested by the bank.

Fidelity Investments

According to the company, it has halted voluntary returns-to-office plans for New England due to a growing risk of COVID-19 pandemic.

American Express Co (NYSE 🙂

Company has delayed the launch of “Amex Flex (NASDAQ :)”,) in the United States, which had been scheduled for January 24, to extend its hybrid work plans.

BlackRock Inc (NYSE:)

A source close to the subject said that an asset manager provides flexibility for employees through Jan. 28.

Sources: Memos and company statements