Elevator Quandary Highlights Struggle to Get Big Banks Back to the Office

The transcript discusses the logistical challenges companies face in adapting office spaces for social distancing, such as managing elevators and common areas. It highlights the need for strategic planning to ensure employee safety, including rethinking office layouts and considering long-term remote work. Banks are using data-driven strategies to determine timelines for returning to the office, with a focus on local transmission rates. The approach varies across institutions, with a cautious and flexible strategy being common.

What are some of the key areas in office spaces that require careful planning due to employee congregation?

• Reception areas and staircases

• Elevators and cafeterias

• Restrooms and parking lots

• Conference rooms and gyms

How have office spaces been designed over the past two decades?

• To isolate employees

• To encourage employee congregation

• To minimize space usage

• To focus on individual work

What is a major concern for banks regarding employee seating arrangements?

• Employees sitting too far apart

• Employees sitting too close together

• Uncomfortable seating

• Lack of seating options

What approach are banks like Citigroup using to decide when to bring employees back to the office?

• Based on fixed dates

• Based on local data

• Based on global trends

• Based on employee preferences

What is the ultimate goal for banks in terms of office capacity?

• To reduce capacity permanently

• To maintain 10% capacity

• To reach 50% capacity

• To achieve 100% capacity