The change will then be rolled out to other U.S. locations and locations outside the U.S. in phases [File]
| Photo Credit: AP
Microsoft has updated its work-from-home policy to require employees to report to work at their office three times a week from next year, while denying that the move was a strategy to reduce headcount.
The company shared this update by posting a letter written by its Chief People Officer that outlined the changes to Microsoft’s ‘Flexible Work Policy.’
The letter shared to the Microsoft blog on September 9 notified employees in the Puget Sound, Washington area that if they lived within 50 miles of a Microsoft office, they would be expected to work onsite three days a week by the end of February 2026.
The change will then be rolled out to other U.S. locations and locations outside the U.S. in phases. For employees outside the United States, Microsoft will begin planning in 2026. Emails will be sent out to the relevant employees, and they are set to receive more personalised instructions from their leadership.
“We’ve looked at how our teams work best, and the data is clear: when people work together in person more often, they thrive — they are more energized, empowered, and they deliver stronger results. As we build the AI products that will define this era, we need the kind of energy and momentum that comes from smart people working side by side, solving challenging problems together,” said Amy Coleman, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, adding, “With that in mind, we’re updating our flexible work expectations to three days a week in the office.”
Return-to-office mandates have increasingly been used by Big Tech companies as businesses adapt to the post-COVID economy. Leaders frequently cite the importance of in-person teamwork and communication while labour advocates point to impacted morale at work and an increase in the time spent commuting.
“We want you to continue to shape your schedule in ways that work best for you, making in-person time intentional and impactful. Importantly, this update is not about reducing headcount. It’s about working together in a way that enables us to meet our customers’ needs,” said Ms. Coleman in Microsoft’s note.
“For some of you, this is not a change. For others this may be a bigger adjustment, which is exactly why we’re providing time to plan thoughtfully,” she said.
Published – September 11, 2025 01:20 pm IST
