HSBC, Standard Chartered reinstate work-from-home measures as ‘third wave’ of coronavirus hits Hong Kong
- Hong Kong’s banks were some of the first globally to return to work during coronavirus pandemic
- Banks from BNP Paribas to HSBC are ‘strongly’ encouraging employees to work from home if possible
After serving as a test run globally for how to return to the office safely, banks in Hong Kong reinstated work-from-home arrangements for many of their staff this week as a “third wave” of coronavirus cases hit the city.
HSBC, the biggest of three banks authorised to issue currency in the city, “strongly encouraged” its staff to work remotely beginning on Wednesday until further notice, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions.
“To support flexible working, employees who must work from HSBC premises should discuss working arrangements, including staggered arrival and lunch times, with their line manager,” HSBC said in a memo late on Tuesday.
A HSBC spokeswoman confirmed the contents of the memo on Wednesday.
03:10
Hong Kong battles third wave of coronavirus infections
The coronavirus, which causes the disease Covid-19, has infected more than 13.3 million people worldwide.