Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters is taking a unique approach to work policies in the banking sector. Unlike many of his peers, such as JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, who are pushing for a return to traditional office schedules, Winters is embracing a flexible, hybrid work model. He believes that by giving employees the autonomy to manage their own time and schedules, they will be more productive and responsible. This approach has been successful for Standard Chartered, with the bank reporting a 48% jump in pre-tax profit in the second quarter of 2025.
Winters’ philosophy is centered around trust and employee autonomy. He believes that adults can have adult conversations and decide how to best manage their teams, without needing rigid office mandates. This approach has helped the bank retain talent, keep attrition low, and maintain a productive workforce. In contrast, many other banks, such as JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and HSBC, have tightened their office attendance requirements, with some CEOs criticizing remote work for slowing decision-making and inhibiting innovation.
Standard Chartered’s flexible policy has been in place since November 2020, and the bank has shown no signs of changing course, even as industry sentiment shifts. Winters cites strong business results, low attrition, and positive feedback from employees as evidence that the approach is working. He also dismisses concerns that remote work is corrosive to teamwork, arguing that with the right leadership, teams can remain collaborative and engaged, even in a hybrid work environment.
The bank’s approach is notable, given the trend towards stricter in-office requirements in many sectors, including tech and telecommunications. Some large employers have warned that ongoing remote work could put jobs at risk, but Standard Chartered is holding its ground. Winters’ commitment to flexibility and employee autonomy has positioned the bank as a leader in the industry, and its strong performance is a testament to the success of this approach.
Overall, Standard Chartered’s flexible work policy is a compelling case study in the value of empowering employees to strike their own balance. By trusting employees to manage their own time and schedules, the bank has created a positive and productive work environment, which has contributed to its strong business results. As the debate around the future of work continues,! Standard Chartered’s approach offers a unique perspective on the benefits of flexibility and employee autonomy in the workplace.