India is witnessing a longtime debate on 5-day workweek for banks. Banking employees believe that it will release the pressure from them and give them additional time for family and friends. Recently, the central government gave its approval to the 8th Pay Commission and the debate on 5-day workweek fuelled again. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget on February 1, but there was no announcement for banks.

Currently, banks works for six days in a week. However, banks observe the close on the second and fourth Saturdays. Meanwhile, there has been a long-standing demand from banking employees to adopt a 5-day workweek for the banks.

The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and bank unions signed a proposal for banks to adopt a 5-day workweek in December 2023, but this is the subject to government approval. In March 2024, the IBA and bank unions signed the 9th Joint Note, which highlighted the plans to switch to a 5-day workweek, including the offs on Saturdays and Sundays.

There were speculations that the banking employees’ long-standing demand for a 5-day workweek may get final approval from the finance ministry by the end of December 2024, which didn’t happen. As of now, the government has not announced any official deadline on this matter.

5-Day Working For Banks: Why A Buzz?

Union Cabinet, in January 2025, approved the 8th pay commission for central government employees and pensioners. With this news, the government gave relief to over 1 crore central government employees and pensioners. This news left the banking employees in optimism for the another big move.

What For Customers?

To maintain hassle-free customer service, bank employees will work 40 minutes extra each day to make up for the shorter workweek.

Challenges?

Regulatory Approval: Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval is one of the most important aspect of this development.

Smooth Banking Services: Implementing a 5-day workweek for banks across India’s vast and diverse landscape poses significant challenges. This can potentially disrupt seamless banking services.

Union And Management: A mutual agreement between employees and management on working hours, salaries, and operational changes is essential for a smooth implementation of the 5-day workweek system.

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