AIB staff who are unhappy with being asked to work in the office at least three days a week should consider getting a new job, says Newstalk's Jonathan Healy. 

The bank has told staff that they can no longer work from home full time and will be expected to show their faces in the office. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, presenter Jonathan Healy said it is “fair to say they’re not happy”. 

“But at the same time, what are they not happy about?” he queried. 

“If you think about working in the bank, I imagine their colleagues working in the branch have to come in five days a week are just going to go, ‘Well, what’s wrong with you? Why can’t you come in?’

“So, I don’t know exactly what the argument is here, they still get to work two days from home.

“If you were to go back to pre-COVID times, they’d have bitten your arm off for that.” 

A busy woman workingfrom home while looking after a child. Picture by: LightField Studios Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo.

Working from home v working from the office

When asked if he had any sympathy for those who do not want to return to the office, Jonathan said they might consider dusting off their CV. 

“It’s the job,” he said. 

“And if it’s not the job for you, maybe go get another job. 

“We’re at full employment in the country, there’s lots of people looking for quality staff. 

“I’m a little bit fascinated by this because I think three days a week in the office is not unreasonable. 

“You still have the option of two days at home. 

“I just say what’s good for everybody is good for every business.

“I still think there’s a lot to be said for meeting your colleagues face to face on a more regular basis. You do tend to get more done.” 

A woman WFH. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Co-presenter Shane Coleman said it was “ hard not to be sympathetic” to those with long commutes, while adding that people work better in the office. 

“I think what is certainly the case is you learn more,” he said. 

“I think particularly if you are just starting out, you learn a huge amount from having your colleagues there, to be able to press the flesh, to chat about things. 

“I think that kind of interaction is really important. 

“So, I can see why companies don’t want their staff working from home five days a week.” 

Main image: Jonathan Healy in the Newstalk studio. Image: Newstalk