UBS Rolls Out Permanent Hybrid Working Option

UBS will allow up to two-thirds of its staff to permanently split working hours between home and the office, in hopes that the approach could help outdo U.S. rivals in requirement.

An internal analysis of the 72,000-strong global workforce identified that around two-thirds had roles that were fit for hybrid working, according to a report citing unnamed sources, equivalent to more than 48,000 employees.

The arrangements will be based on an individual’s role, tasks, and location with some, such as traders and branch staff, offered little flexibility with requirements to work on site. For certain activities, even hybrid workers will be required to come into the office to attend.

No date has been set for a return to the office, according to the plan which is being led by chief executive Ralph Hamers.

UBS’commitment to more hybrid working contrasts with that of major U.S. rivals which are not only increasingly asking workers to return but also demonstrating relatively critical views about the state of affairs.

If you can go to a restaurant in New York City, you can come into the office and we want you in the office, Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman said at a recent conference.

Last year, UBS even explored the potential to have traders operate outside of the office, experimenting with virtual reality headsets for its London-based staff.