PNC Mandates Return to Office Five Days a Week
PNC employees must return to the office five days a week starting May 4, according to a memo sent to employees Wednesday.
“Five years ago, we made a necessary shift in how we work — moving away from our in-office model to prioritize your health and safety during an unprecedented time,” CEO Bill Demchak wrote in a memo seen by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and confirmed by a spokesperson.
“Today, our world has changed, and so has PNC,” Demchak said. “As we look ahead, it’s time to return to the way we work best: together, in person.”
Transition Back to In-Office Work
During a Dec. 3 fireside chat, Demchak suggested that working from home benefits employees but “harm[s] the company,” the outlet reported. But bank management, at the time, said concerns about full-time RTO were mere speculation, according to the Post-Gazette.
PNC’s policy change closely follows one at competitor Truist, which ended hybrid work Jan. 1 after announcing such plans in November.
Industry Trends and Perspectives
PNC and other banks have gradually required employees to come back to the office for a greater share of the workweek since the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone home in 2020. In the intervening years, banks such as JPMorgan Chase have ordered employees’ back to a normal five days in the office.
Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, who has studied work-from-home policies, published research in 2024 that found hybrid schedules to be a “win-win for employee productivity, performance and retention.”
Company Perspectives on In-Office Work
“PNC has always been an in-office company,” Demchak wrote in the memo. “It’s not just how we operate — it’s part of our culture. We are a relationship-driven organization, and our strength lies in the connection we build with each other, our clients and our communities.”
He’s not alone in his preference. JPMorgan’s operating committee in January 2025 called an in-office mandate “the best way to run the company.”
Industry Insights and Employee Feedback
A JPMorgan spokesperson told Banking Dive on Thursday that “[e]arnings, market share and customer service rankings have been growing alongside the increase in back-to-office,” but noted that he did not have data regarding correlations available.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, who as early as February 2021 called remote work an “aberration,” has required his employees’ office presence since 2023. Despite the stricter policy compared to its peers, Goldman hasn’t suffered a loss in its employee pipeline: a record 360,000 people applied for the Goldman Sachs internship program last year, and less than 1% were accepted, Fortune reported.
Hybrid Work Models in the Banking Sector
On the other hand, banks including Citi, BNY and U.S. Bank continue to allow employees one to two days per week of remote work.
“We believe [a hybrid model] offers the best of both worlds – flexibility to have better work-life integration while realizing the many advantages of being together in person,” according to Citi’s website.
The Impact of Social Media on Society
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From connecting with friends and family to sharing personal experiences and opinions, social media platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another. However, the widespread use of social media has also raised concerns about its impact on society. This article will explore the positive and negative effects of social media on individuals and society as a whole.
One of the most significant benefits of social media is its ability to connect people from all walks of life. With just a few clicks, we can communicate with friends and family across the globe, share updates and photos, and stay connected in real-time. Social media has also made it easier for businesses to reach a wider audience and promote their products and services. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become powerful marketing tools, allowing companies to engage with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales.
Another positive aspect of social media is its role in social activism and political movements. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been instrumental in organizing protests, raising awareness about social issues, and mobilizing support for important causes. Social media has given a voice to marginalized communities and empowered individuals to speak out against injustice and inequality. The Arab Spring, Black Lives Matter, and #MeToo movements are just a few examples of how social media has been used to effect positive change in society.
On the other hand, social media has also been criticized for its negative impact on mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant pressure to present a curated version of our lives online, often referred to as “social media envy,” can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying and online harassment are also prevalent on social media platforms, leading to serious consequences for victims.
In addition, the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media has become a growing concern. The rise of “clickbait” headlines and sensationalized stories has made it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction online. This has had serious implications for democracy, as false information can influence public opinion, sway elections, and undermine trust in traditional media sources. Social media algorithms that prioritize engagement and virality have also been criticized for creating echo chambers and reinforcing polarized viewpoints.
Despite these challenges, there are ways to mitigate the negative impact of social media on society. Individuals can take steps to limit their use of social media, set boundaries around screen time, and prioritize real-life interactions. Social media companies can also take responsibility for their platforms by implementing stricter moderation policies, combating misinformation, and promoting digital literacy among users. Governments can play a role in regulating social media platforms and holding them accountable for harmful content.
In conclusion, social media has had a profound impact on society, both positive and negative. While it has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate, it has also raised concerns about its effects on mental health, democracy, and social cohesion. By being mindful of our online behavior, promoting responsible use of social media, and holding platforms accountable for their actions, we can harness the power of social media for good and create a more informed, connected, and inclusive society.
