Protected Friday Nights for bankers Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse requires its employees too busy at work to take a breather over the weekend. An internal directive recommends employees to leave the office Friday to the maximum at 7 pm and returning at the earliest at 12 on Sunday.

The document entitled "Protecting Friday Night" was sent on May 23 by e-mail to all staff of the investment banking sector in Europe, Middle East and Asia. Exceptions are possible only if there is at stake a big deal.

The legislation, which in other sectors of the private or the public could probably generate surprise, is apparently regarded as necessary in a world where there are plenty of so-called "workaholic", people who are too devoted to work. These include in particular many young people, who remain in the bank behind their screens until the wee hours.

As Marisa Drew manager explained to Reuters – "it allows employees to set up plans for the weekend with their families and friends and makes sure that these are also respected."

Several investment banks are moving to improve their image thicken bodies of people with an unhealthy attachment to work. JP Morgan has taken a decision in Credit Suisse and UBS requires its employees to take two hours a week for personal matters.