Citigroup Will Transform Its London Headquarters To Encourage A Return To The Office

Citigroup is transforming its London headquarters to prepare for the future of new workplace demands. 

The bank has released plans of these efforts that address how in-office work will look in a post-pandemic society, and how to entice workers to return after years of comfortably working from home.  

The project is projected to be completed in 2025, costing around $133 million. 

“Our aim is to create an environmentally sustainable, innovative and exciting place to work, incorporating modern design, state-of-the-art technology, and best practices in employee and client spaces,” said David Livingstone, CEO of Citigroup EMEA. 

The 42-story tower will incorporate more sustainable design to reduce the bank’s energy consumption, providing occupants easy access to biophilic design, which has been found to enhance collaboration, wellbeing, and creativity. 

Citigroup is one of many financial firms encouraging workers to return to the office. Just last week, staff in New York City were told to come into the office for two days a week starting February 7. 

The firm also revealed that employees who refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of January could face termination, and as of January 13, reported that 99% of staff were vaccinated. 

Although the modification of their headquarters could make the office space more attractive, surveys have shown that workers would prefer a say in their work arrangements even once the pandemic is over. So much so, that many are willing to quit their jobs to seek positions that offer more flexibility.