Banks Changed Hiring and Office Attendance Policies
Bank of America expanded its apprenticeship program while Barclays delayed a mandate for in-office work.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Remote Work
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Bank of America has launched an initiative to hire 1,000 additional apprentices over the next two years to bolster skills-based recruitment. Simultaneously, Barclays has pushed back its planned return-to-office mandate for employees until 2027.
Why it matters
These moves reflect diverging corporate priorities, with one institution focusing on long-term workforce development and the other responding to current transition challenges. The adjustments highlight how major employers are navigating the evolving balance between talent acquisition and workplace presence.
Bank of America committed $150 million to workforce development by 2031, supporting a hiring model where 40% of new employees do not hold a bachelor's degree. Barclays had previously mandated that staff work in-office three days weekly, with directors required to attend four.
The players
Bank of America
This is a multinational investment bank and financial services holding company that operates extensive retail and commercial banking operations.
Barclays
This is a British universal bank that provides financial services including personal, corporate, and investment banking.
Unite
This is a major trade union in the United Kingdom that represents employees across various sectors including financial services.
Brian Moynihan
He is the chairman and chief executive officer of Bank of America.
The details
Bank of America is scaling its apprenticeship program to provide industry-recognized credentials, aiming to prepare staff for future AI-related skill requirements. Meanwhile, Barclays delayed its office attendance mandate, noting that the extra time is intended to provide support for colleagues during the transition.
Timeline
September 2025: Bank of America reached its $25 hourly pay floor goal.
September 24, 2026: Brian Moynihan issued a statement on apprenticeship programs.
October 5, 2026: Original implementation date for Barclays office attendance mandate.
March 2027: Target date for Unite's proposed one-off payment for employees.
2027: New effective date for Barclays return-to-office policy.
Market Landscape
The expansion of apprenticeship programs marks a significant shift toward skills-based hiring that prioritizes practical career mobility over traditional academic credentials. By moving away from rigid degree requirements, banks are positioning themselves to tap into broader talent pools while adapting to a changing corporate environment.
Employees at Barclays may now continue current working arrangements without the immediate pressure of an in-office mandate until 2027. Prospective job seekers at Bank of America may find new entry points through apprenticeship programs that do not require a bachelor's degree.
The takeaway
These changes reflect a dual approach where firms are simultaneously investing in non-traditional talent pipelines and allowing for more flexibility in office attendance. Workers should remain aware that major policy shifts, such as return-to-office dates, can remain fluid due to organizational transition needs.
Further reading
For additional context on how major companies are managing workplace policies, explore our Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Banking Dive.
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