Factbox-U.S. financial firms tighten COVID-19 precautions as Omicron spreads -Breaking
[ad_1]
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Wall Street street sign is visible outside New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), New York City, New York. It was taken on January 3, 2019, by Shannon Stapleton. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo(Reuters] -While U.S. banks have taken more steps than others to encourage employees to return to work, these plans have now come under fire due to rapid spreading of Omicron coronavirus variant.
The majority of major U.S. bank branches have staff in their offices since the summer. Some choose not to hold holiday parties for staff, while others strongly recommend staff getting booster shots.
These are pandemic-related rules that Wall Street’s largest banks and financial institutions have adopted.
Click here to access a FACTBOX of Canadian financial companies
Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:
According to Reuters, the bank encourages employees to work remotely during the first week in January. This was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation. For its employees, it will provide vaccine booster clinics on site.
Bank has been encouraging its employees since the end of summer to become fully vaccinated, and to receive their booster shots when they’re eligible. There are several clinics available at the bank.
Citigroup Inc (NYSE:)
Citigroup will implement a no-jab policy that prohibits employees from working starting January 14, according to a source. Although the bank stated in October that it will require U.S. employees to get vaccinated by them, they have not mandated boosters.
Citi encourages employees to test their skills and provides rapid tests kits, as well as encouraging them to do so before they go into the office. This was confirmed by a source earlier.
According to Reuters, employees have been requested to work at home for the first week of 2022.
Deutsche Bank (DE:)
A source close to the matter said that COVID-19 boosters have been made available by the German lender to employees at its New York City headquarters, located in Midtown.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:)
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has delayed its U.S. staff return to work plan until February 1 due to COVID-19 outbreaks in the United States. This was primarily caused by Omicron coronavirus, which is highly contagious.
The offices of the COVID-19 Safety Protocols will be available. They include a mandatory mask, mandatory vaccinations and boosters for eligible population.
Due to an outbreak of the Delta variant in August, Wall Street Bank ordered that all employees and visitors entered the United States with a vaccination.
According to a source, Goldman delayed its holiday parties in New York in December due to COVID-19 fears.
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 boosters before January 31 unless an individual is not eligible. Jefferies does not perform onsite testing.
All travel other than essential has been canceled by the bank.
JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE:)
According to a memo obtained by Reuters, JPMorgan offered employees the opportunity to work remotely for the first 2 weeks of 2022. However, all employees must return to the office no later that February 1, as per the 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. Employees in this category are required to be tested two times per week. They also have to pay more towards their medical insurance. This mandated the provision of vaccines for all new employees in client-facing positions.
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 often 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.
Bank expects employees who don’t need to attend the bank to use the opportunity to work remotely and spend more time with their family. 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
Lender delayed plans to have employees return to office last month “in light of the current external environment”. According to the lender, it announced new plans for an employee’s full return within the next year.
Wells Fargo stated that all employees who are vaccinated can use its office. If eligible, the bank will pay four hours’ paid vacation to employees who wish to have their booster shots.
Bank employees must also document their vaccinations or be tested on a regular basis.
Fidelity Investments
Company stated that it was suspending its voluntary New England return-to office plans due to rising risks from the COVID-19 epidemic.
American Express Co (NYSE 🙂
This company delayed its launch of the return-to-office program “Amex Flex” (NASDAQ :)”, USA) which was originally scheduled to start on Jan. 24, in order to prolong 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: Statements of company, memos, and sources
[ad_2]
