The interim CEO of Raiffeisen Switzerland, Christian Poerschke, is making headlines. From June 2025, the cooperative bank's employees will no longer be allowed to work from home four days a week, but only two. This decision is causing a lot of excitement and various reactions. What is really behind the move?

The end of the home office - what Poerschke is planning

Many Raiffeisen employees have become accustomed to working from home during the pandemic. However, Christian Poerschke is now scaling back the regulations: from June 2025, the attendance requirement is to increase to at least 60 percent of working hours. This means that employees will only be allowed to work from home for a maximum of two days a week. This decision is not met with enthusiasm by everyone. While the company management presents the whole thing as a step towards improving collaboration and team culture, there are many who suspect that Poerschke primarily wants to have more control over the workforce.

Team spirit or control? The true motivation

What sounds like a harmless plan to promote team spirit causes many to frown. Critics argue that this measure is aimed more at controlling employees than promoting collaboration. After all, many have adapted well to the new way of working during the pandemic. They appreciate the flexibility and the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance. Poerschke, however, seems convinced that more presence in the office is the key to a better corporate culture. But is that really the case?

What does this mean for employees?

The consequences of this decision could be far-reaching. For many employees who have enjoyed the peace and flexibility of working from home, the move back to the office will be a challenge. But Poerschke is not the only one who believes in this return. Many companies around the world are adopting a similar strategy to promote the "real" office feeling and personal interaction. However, the question remains: can a strict presence requirement really create the desired team spirit, or is it more likely to lead to frustration and resentment?

Poerschke's decision to change the home office regulation is a clear sign in the direction of a traditional working model. Whether this is actually the right way forward remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the discussion about the "back to office" plan at Raiffeisen Switzerland has only just begun.