Barclays has tightened its hybrid working rules, requiring most employees to work at least three days in the office, up from two. This change aligns with a broader trend of stricter in-office policies post-pandemic, echoing moves by firms like JPMorgan and WPP. While some client-facing Barclays staff already work full-time in-office, the bank emphasizes balancing flexibility with collaboration. European banks have been more lenient than US peers, but shifts are evident, with companies like Lloyds linking office attendance to bonuses. These adjustments reflect growing skepticism among leaders about long-term remote work.