Our view is simple - a branch needs to operate with four people. The reasons we give are exactly what you mentioned - vacations, sickness, trips to meetings or training. Leaving the branch with fewer staff makes it a target. To a criminal, a location with only two people is a more attractive target to rob. In the short-term, the mag locks are a great addition! Any financial institution considering operating a branch while short-staffed should consider an interactive teller machine. The argument of personal contact over a machine, does not take precedence over safety at this location.
Regarding policy and procedures, each institution has to make its own decision. If you put into writing a procedure that won't be followed, you find yourself at risk for a lawsuit if something does go wrong.
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