Microsoft Scraps Pandemic-Era Flexibility, Orders Workers Back To Office 3 Days A Week In 2026 As AI Push Demands More Collaboration - Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

""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.""

""not about reducing headcount""

""OpenAI will continue to be our partner on frontier models and we remain committed to our long-term partnership.""

Microsoft is tightening its hybrid work policy and will require employees to be in the office at least three days per week starting in 2026. The rollout will occur in three phases, beginning with Seattle-area staff who live within 50 miles of a company office, then expanding to other U.S. offices and eventually overseas. Human resources chief Amy Coleman cited data showing that more in-person collaboration increases energy, empowerment, and delivers stronger results. Coleman linked in-person work to building AI products, saying proximity creates the energy and momentum needed for innovation. Employees may request exceptions by Sept. 19, but handling criteria were not detailed. Microsoft said the policy aims to strengthen collaboration and is not about reducing headcount.

Read at Benzinga