Microsoft Mandates Return to Office: 3 Days a Week Minimum

Microsoft, a tech giant long considered a holdout on return-to-office (RTO) mandates, is officially requiring employees to work from the office at least three days a week starting in late February 2026. The phased rollout will begin in the Seattle area and expand across the US and internationally. This stricter policy aligns Microsoft with companies like Meta and Google. The move comes alongside recent layoffs and a performance improvement plan, suggesting increased pressure on employee productivity. Interestingly, Microsoft previously published a blog post highlighting the benefits of remote work, which has since been replaced by an article focusing on how AI can address hybrid work challenges. This shift signals a significant change in Microsoft's approach to work flexibility.