Citi tells New York, New Jersey staffers to work from home again

Citigroup told staffers in the New York City metropolitan area to work from home again through the holidays if they are able, citing the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the region.

The recommendation, which applies to offices in New York City and Jersey City, New Jersey, was aimed at protecting employees’ holiday plans and to thin out the number of workers coming into those facilities, according to a spokesperson. Citigroup already requires all staffers coming into those offices to be vaccinated.

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Citigroup Inc. signage is seen through the window of a bank branch in New York. Photographer: Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg

New York, one of the states hit hardest in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, is once again contending with rising cases. This week, models from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated the omicron variant could make up 13% of COVID-19 infections in the area and in New Jersey.

Citigroup began inviting more staffers to return to the office throughout the summer. The New York-based firm, under newly installed Chief Executive Jane Fraser, has been the most vocal among rivals about continuing to allow staffers to work from home even after the pandemic subsides.

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