Starling Bank under fire as staff criticize return-to-office policy amid desk constraints

Starling Bank employees have criticized CEO Raman Bhatia’s newly implemented return-to-office policy, describing the workplace environment as a "grey corporate hellscape." The policy requires hybrid employees to work from the office at least 10 days a month, but staff have raised concerns about insufficient desk space to accommodate the influx.

An internal email acknowledged the space issues, stating, "We may not be able to accommodate 10 office working days per month for everyone right now. We are considering ways in which we can create more space."

Starling Bank, which employs over 3,200 people across the UK and Dublin, currently operates with approximately 900 desks across its offices in London, Cardiff, Southampton, and Manchester. Complaints from employees flooded internal communication channels, with one staff member claiming the policy was forced upon them and criticizing it for creating a disengaged and uninspired work culture.

In a company-wide email, Bhatia defended the decision, stating that in-office collaboration enhances creativity, problem-solving, and performance. He added that leadership had been considering the move for some time.

Starling Bank clarified in a statement that the policy formalizes existing practices, encouraging two to three days of in-office work per week to foster better collaboration as the bank grows. Employees with remote or flexible arrangements will retain their current terms, and managers are advised to support staff with personal or well-being concerns.