Microsoft links promotion to new attendance policy: Return to office by Sept 19, for at least 3 days a week

Microsoft has told its employees to return office for at least three days a week or risk promotions, essentially ending the flexible remote work policy. The tech giant is shifting away from its pandemic-era practice, with implementations set to begin in February 2026.

The mandate will initially apply to Seattle-area employees residing within 50 miles of Microsoft offices, according to an internal memo from Chief People Officer Amy Coleman. Employees who do not comply may be at a disadvantage, as the company places growing emphasis on in-person collaboration for career growth.

Coleman said, “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 energised, empowered, and they deliver stronger results.”

Ignore mandate, risk career advancements

Microsoft has been cracking down on poor performance by laying off hundreds of employees deemed underperformers.

Amid this, the new policy suggests that ignoring the new work-from-office mandate would affect their career growth during evaluations.

The rollout will occur in three phases: starting with the Puget Sound area, followed by other US locations, and reaching international offices in 2026. Employees have until September 19 to submit exception requests, although the approval criteria have not been clearly defined.

Microsoft layoffs

Earlier this year, in February, Microsoft announced plans to cut its workforce by 3 per cent, affecting about 6,000 employees in a layoff drive that will be imposed across all teams and levels.

In a statement to CNBC, Microsoft said, “We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace.”

The layoffs took place despite Microsoft reporting better-than-expected quarterly net income of $25.8 billion.

Big Tech has been spending heavily on AI as they see the new technology as a major growth engine, while slashing costs elsewhere to safeguard profit margins. Google has also laid off hundreds of employees in the past year, as it looks to control costs and prioritise AI.