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Bank will replace the requirement of eight monthly days with three weekly in-person days, while superintendents will have a new schedule as early as 2027
Itaú Unibanco announced, on June 23, 2026, a significant change in hybrid work rules.
Employees under the semi-presential model must attend the offices three days a week starting from the first quarter of 2028.
The current policy requires workers’ presence for eight days a month.
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The change will also affect the institution’s superintendents. These professionals will start working in-person four days a week in January 2027.
Itaú directors already follow the four-day weekly in-person schedule.
Change will have an extended adaptation period
Itaú stated that it has established a transition period to facilitate the reorganization of personal and family routines.
The gradual implementation, according to the institution, will allow teams and employees to prepare without sudden changes.
The bank explained that work formats are updated according to the context and existing needs in each period.
The institution adopted more flexible models over the last eight years.
The first four years had a more flexible dynamic. The following four years were organized with the requirement of eight in-person days per month.
The model planned for 2028, according to Itaú, will still preserve the characteristic balance of hybrid work.
Union criticizes lack of prior negotiation
The Bank Workers’ Union of São Paulo, Osasco, and Region stated it received the announcement with surprise.
The entity stated that the change was defined without prior negotiation with employee representatives.
The union requested a meeting with the bank to discuss the new rules and their impact on workers.
The physical capacity of the offices will also be monitored by the category representatives.
Reports received by the entity indicate a possible insufficiency of spaces to adequately accommodate all professionals.
In-person return advances in the financial sector
Itaú’s decision follows a movement to expand in-person work in other financial institutions.
Nubank announced, in November 2025, the requirement of at least two days a week in the offices.
Nubank’s rule will start to apply during the second half of 2026.
Bradesco also ended the remote work model for almost 900 employees in January 2026.
The movement shows that large banks and financial institutions have started to review expanded policies during previous years.
Itaú laid off remote workers in 2025
Itaú laid off about a thousand employees who worked in hybrid or fully remote models during 2025.
The institution reported, at that time, that the layoffs occurred after a review of conduct related to remote work.
The process also analyzed the recording of professional hours.
Companies justify the increase in office presence with concerns related to productivity, management, and team integration.
Workers, however, report higher expenses, wear and tear caused by commuting, and a preference for more flexible professional models.
Offices will receive investments and modernization
Itaú stated that the new policy will be accompanied by a plan of investments in work hubs.
The modernization of environments and the expansion of physical capacity are among the measures planned by the institution.
The investments should prepare the offices to receive a larger flow of in-person workers.
The bank claims that the spaces will be adjusted to accommodate the teams comfortably.
What really changes in employees’ routine?
The main change will replace the eight monthly in-person days with three days of office work per week in 2028.
Superintendents will have their previously extended schedule, with four in-person days per week starting in January 2027.
Itaú argues that the timeframe will allow for a gradual adaptation. The union, however, intends to discuss the decision and monitor the conditions offered.
Will the new rule manage to balance productivity and flexibility, or will it increase costs and employee strain? Share your opinion!
