A Dell executive has reinforced the company's return-to-office policy, requiring sales staff to work at least eight hours a day in the office five days a week, following internal reviews that revealed some employees were leaving early or not adhering to the policy. The move comes amid broader corporate efforts to tighten work-from-home rules, despite some inconsistent enforcement and employee flexibility issues.
Microsoft has announced that employees are required to work in the office at least three days a week, signaling a shift towards more in-person work expectations post-pandemic.
Starbucks is implementing a policy requiring its corporate employees to work from the office four days a week, reflecting a shift towards more in-person work arrangements.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy clarified that the company's new five-day in-office policy is not intended as a 'backdoor layoff' or to appease city leaders, but to strengthen company culture. The policy, set to start next year, has faced criticism from employees who argue it is more stringent than other tech firms and could negatively impact those with families or medical issues. Despite internal pushback, Amazon is offering commuter benefits to ease the transition. The company recently reported a record $15.3 billion profit for its third quarter.
Barclays and other Wall Street firms are considering requiring employees to return to the office five days a week due to new US brokerage regulations by Finra. These rules, which include listing home offices in regulatory records and periodic inspections, are prompting some firms to rethink remote work policies. While some, like Deutsche Bank, may find ways to comply with minimal changes, others like Truist Financial Corp. have already mandated full-time office attendance for certain staff.
Davis Polk has adopted a mandatory four-day office policy, following Skadden's lead, starting from Labor Day. The firm believes that in-office attendance is critical for professional development opportunities, including mentorship, training, and creating meaningful relationships. The firm will also introduce an annual remote day "bank" policy, allowing 16 remote workdays per year. The decision to adopt a four-day policy is not a surprise, as the firm had previously signaled its waning faith in its existing office policy.
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, will require certain employees to work in the office three days a week starting in September. Fully remote workers will continue to work from home. Other tech companies, including Twitter and Amazon, have also made changes to their remote work policies. CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously stated that in-person work supports collaboration and helps build trust, and the company is committed to continuously refining its model to foster collaboration and culture.
