Standard Chartered CEO Defies Office Mandates, Says Employees are Adults

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters resists office mandates, saying employees are adults who can decide their own schedules. Despite rival banks cracking down on hybrid working, Winters maintains flexibility, allowing managers and employees to agree their own schedules. Office attendance varies worldwide, with low attrition partly attributed to flexible work policies.

Standard Chartered Plc's Chief Executive Officer, Bill Winters, has maintained a stance against imposing strict office attendance mandates, even as rival banks tighten their hybrid working policies. In a Bloomberg Television interview, Winters expressed confidence in his employees' ability to manage their schedules responsibly, stating, "We work with adults. The adults can have an adult conversation with other adults and decide how they’re going to best manage their team" [2].

Winters' approach stands in contrast to HSBC Holdings Plc and JPMorgan Chase & Co., which have implemented more stringent office attendance requirements. HSBC has mandated that managing directors work at least four days from the office, while JPMorgan has ordered all employees to return to the office five days a week [2].

Standard Chartered, on the other hand, has allowed managers and employees to agree on their own schedules since the pandemic. This flexibility has contributed to the bank's relatively low attrition rates, with Winters attributing this to the firm's flexible work policies [2].

The bank's stance on office attendance is part of a broader strategy that has seen it invest heavily in its wealth and digital offerings, client centers, and marketing. Standard Chartered is investing $1.5 billion in these areas to solidify its position as a leading wealth manager in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East [1].

Despite the global economic uncertainty, Standard Chartered's net profit rose 81% from a year earlier to $1.71 billion for the three months ended June, beating analysts' estimates. The bank's corporate and investment banking business saw a 12% increase in profit, while its wealth and retail banking business edged up by 0.8% [1].

Winters' emphasis on flexibility and trust in his employees' judgment may be a significant factor in the bank's success. By allowing employees to manage their own schedules, Standard Chartered has fostered a culture that encourages productivity and innovation.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/standard-chartered-quarterly-profit-jumps-plans-1-3-billion-buyback-update-ce7c5fdcde8cf423
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-31/stanchart-ceo-resists-office-mandates-we-work-with-adults