Reconfiguring Work in UK Banking: Psychological, Behavioural, and Network Impacts of Return-to-Office (RTO) Policies

Within the contemporary landscape of the UKs financial services sector, institutions are currently navigating a complex and often contentious shift from emergency remote work protocols back to centralised or hybrid office-based operations. This research investigates how Return-to-Office (RTO) policies are reshaping work, collaboration, and well-being within the UK banking sector. Integrating organisational psychology, behavioural outcomes, and social network analysis, the study examines how differing RTO patterns, from full office attendance to hybrid and remote models, influence productivity, retention, stress, and interpersonal connection. The findings aim to inform evidence-based hybrid and remote work strategies that balance organisational performance with employee well-being, providing both theoretical and practical insights for leaders navigating the post-pandemic transformation of work in financial institutions.