June 1, 2025 The Royal Bank of Canada will require employees to work in the office four days a week by year-end, citing in-person collaboration as key to productivity and innovation.

According to a memo obtained by The Globe and Mail, the policy shift builds on the bank’s 2023 guidance, which encouraged mostly in-office work with limited remote flexibility. The move marks a transition from the current three-day model and reflects RBC’s ongoing push to restore workplace culture through physical presence.

“RBC is a relationship-driven bank and in-person human connection is core to our winning culture,” said spokesperson Gillian McArdle. CEO Dave McKay has previously linked remote work to reduced innovation and weaker employee engagement.

RBC’s messaging emphasizes alignment with company values rather than enforcement. Analysts say this approach — framing return-to-office mandates around culture and connection — is becoming a model for how large financial firms are managing the hybrid-work shift.