National Australia Bank (NAB) has introduced a new workplace mandate requiring its workforce to increase their in-office attendance starting later this year, with the transition continuing into 2026.
While the bank has presented this change as part of an evolving work model, it has so far revealed little about the internal decision-making that led to the policy shift. The announcement, delivered on the company’s internal platform, drew swift and emotional reactions from employees.
According to 7NEWS, the move is part of a broader trend among Australian employers seeking to re-establish physical presence as a cornerstone of post-pandemic work culture.
New Attendance Rules to Begin in Late 2025
The new policy applies to NAB‘s entire workforce of approximately 39,000 employees.
Under the updated model, staff currently attending the office two days per week will be required to increase that to three days, while people leaders—or team managers—will need to be in the office four days a week.
The company’s senior leaders have already been attending five days per week since 2023.
These changes are part of what NAB describes as a move toward an “office-based working model,” as highlighted by Sarah White, the bank’s Group Executive for People and Culture. She delivered the news late last week in a message posted to the internal platform Microsoft Viva Engage.
Internal Response Marked by Emoji Backlash
Staff reaction to the announcement was swift and emotional. Hundreds of employees responded with shocked, angry, and broken heart emojis, alongside a smaller number of thumbs up.
A screenshot of the announcement shared internally reflected this wide spectrum of sentiment, indicating a clear divide between acceptance and disappointment.
The changes mark a continuation of NAB‘s efforts to increase office attendance gradually since the pandemic. Most junior staff had been working under a hybrid model of two or three days per week in the office.
Leadership Defends Decision, Opens Consultation
In her message and follow-up statements to the Australian Financial Review and 7NEWS.com.au, Sarah White emphasized that the shift aims to promote “collaboration, teamwork and problem-solving for customers.” She added:
We are taking an approach that ensures flexibility and supports all colleagues to respond to personal-life circumstances.
White confirmed that a consultation period will take place before implementation, and the bank is committed to listening to employee feedback. She also stated that employees may still apply for flexible working arrangements in accordance with relevant legislation.
Part of a Growing Corporate Trend in Australia
NAB’s updated policy comes amid a wider push among Australian companies to increase in-office workdays. Firms such as Amazon, Dell, Luxury Escapes, and the Reach Foundation have also recently announced or reinforced similar return-to-office requirements.
According to research by recruitment firm Robert Half, 39% of Australian employers are planning to mandate five-day office attendance by 2025.
The study also found that many employees remain opposed to such policies, arguing that hybrid models enhance productivity and work-life balance.
Evolving Workplace Expectations
NAB‘s move reflects the complex dynamics of post-pandemic workplace strategy, balancing operational priorities with employee preferences. While the company has framed the change as a step toward more effective collaboration, the emotional response from staff underlines the challenges that come with reshaping how, when, and where people work.
The success of the consultation phase, and how NAB addresses staff concerns during its rollout into 2026, may influence broader organizational policies across Australia’s banking and finance sectors.
