Microsoft is reportedly preparing to implement a stricter return-to-office (RTO) policy, potentially requiring employees at its Redmond, Washington headquarters to work in-person at least three days a week starting as early as January. While the company has not finalized the details, this move would mark a significant shift from its flexible remote work policy introduced in late 2020, which allowed most employees to work remotely up to 50% of the time without approval. According to sources familiar with the matter, Microsoft had initially planned to announce these changes in September but is still refining the guidelines. A company spokesperson confirmed that updates to the flexible work policy are under consideration but emphasized that no decisions have been made yet.
This potential policy change aligns Microsoft with other Big Tech firms that have been tightening RTO mandates throughout the year. For instance, Amazon now requires employees to work in the office five days a week, while Meta and Google have implemented a three-day in-office requirement for most staff. Microsoft’s approach appears to mirror the latter, though some teams, such as its Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) group, already adhere to stricter in-office schedules. The shift reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing in-person collaboration and performance accountability, as companies reassess the long-term viability of remote work models.
The push for increased office attendance coincides with heightened performance pressure at Microsoft, which has included layoffs of low-performing employees and the introduction of more rigorous performance improvement plans. Internal memos from executives like cloud and AI head Scott Guthrie and CFO Amy Hood have emphasized the need for „intensity,” „dedication, and hard work” in the coming year. This stands in contrast to Microsoft’s previous advocacy for hybrid work—a model it has promoted through its own software solutions, citing benefits such as cost reduction, employee retention, and productivity gains. The evolving stance highlights the tension between remote work ideals and the corporate drive for measurable results in a competitive market.
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Forrás: https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-considering-stricter-rto-policy-2025-8.