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Microsoft Considers Mandating Three In-Office Days for Most Employees

Microsoft plans to review stricter hybrid-work guidelines to boost collaboration, with a decision expected by September.

People cross a pedestrian bridge connecting Microsoft's campuses on Aug. 6, 2025, in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft said it's looking to refresh its flexible work guidelines, in response to media reports that it may be getting serious about in-person work. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times/TNS)
Microsoft
Microsoft has laid off 15,000 employees this year.
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Overview

  • Microsoft could require most employees at its Redmond headquarters to report in person at least three days per week, potentially starting in January.
  • Spokesperson Frank Shaw confirmed the work guidelines are under review and emphasized that no final decisions have been made.
  • The proposal would replace the late-2020 policy allowing up to 50 percent remote work and bring Microsoft in line with Amazon, Meta and Google.
  • The consideration follows four rounds of layoffs this year that removed over 15,000 roles and the rollout of new performance improvement plans.
  • Details on office-by-office timelines and potential exemptions for certain roles or teams are expected when the policy is formally announced.