Microsoft Considers Three-Day Office Rule, Aligning with Big Tech Peers

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to tighten its hybrid work policy, potentially requiring employees to work from the office at least three days a week starting as early as January 2025. The move, first reported by Business Insider, would mark a significant shift from the company’s more relaxed remote work practices since 2020.

Policy still under discussion ⚖️

While no final decision has been made, Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw confirmed that the company is reviewing its flexible work guidelines. Specific rollout dates may vary across offices, with employees at the Redmond, Washington headquarters expected to see changes first.

Since late 2020, Microsoft employees have worked remotely nearly 50% of the time without formal approval. In practice, this flexibility has often extended further, allowing teams to work from home most of the week.

What’s changing? 🏢

Under the proposed plan, employees would need to be physically present at Microsoft offices at least three days per week. The company initially planned to announce this update in September, but is still finalizing details.

Some divisions — such as Microsoft’s Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) group — already follow stricter in-office schedules, exceeding three days a week.

Following Big Tech trends 📉 → 🏢

Microsoft’s shift mirrors a broader trend among tech giants moving away from fully flexible work models:

♦ Amazon mandated five days in office earlier this year.

♦ AT&T rolled out a similar policy in 2023, with CEO John Stankey warning employees to comply or leave.

♦ Meta and Google have also adopted a three-day office schedule.

Why the change now? 🔍

Microsoft leadership has long signaled that productivity would drive any policy revision. In September 2023, Scott Guthrie, head of cloud and AI, told employees that remote flexibility would remain unless a “clear decline in productivity” emerged. The upcoming changes suggest that management now sees greater value in increased in-person collaboration.