Banks prepare to bring workers back to office

Two of the region’s biggest employers — PNC Financial Services Group and Bank of New York Mellon — have decided when they will start bringing remote workers back to the office.

PNC, Pittsburgh’s biggest bank — whose noncustomer-facing employees have been working from home since the COVID19 pandemic began in March a year ago — will begin a voluntary return to the workplace on June 14. The return will be in effect across PNC’s multistate footprint unless a work-from-home order is in place.

“We plan to transition to a full return in the fall,” Lou Cestello, head of regional markets and Pittsburgh regional president, said in an email Wednesday.

The Pittsburgh-based bank employs about 12,500 people in the region, which includes staff at its Downtown headquarters and call center on First Avenue.

On Tuesday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced he would lift all COVID19 restrictions across the state on Memorial Day, except for masking.

At BNY Mellon, employees received an email from CEO Todd Gibbons on Monday saying the company would initiate a hybrid model starting Sept. 1.

“While a small number of our employees will need to be in the office due to the nature of their jobs, and a small number will remain fully remote, we expect the majority of our employees will follow a hybrid model that allows for a flexible mix of remote and inperson experiences,” Mr. Gibbons wrote.

“The hybrid approach is one that many organizations are adopting,” he said. “It is based on the belief that there is a degree of

flexibility where productivity can be maintained and culture can still thrive.

“We also want to create an environment that will allow us to attract, retain and cultivate top talent,” he said.

Mr. Gibbons said the company was still working out details of the hybrid system but expected to let employees know how they will be working by midsummer.

Roughly 95% of the New York-based bank’s global workforce of about 48,000 has been working remotely during the pandemic. The company doesn’t break out employment numbers by market.

Also in the email, Mr. Gibbons encouraged employees to get vaccinated.

Mr. Wolf has said the masking order will remain in place until 70% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated.

Just over 50% of eligible residents have had at least one shot.