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The phased return-to-office policy is first applicable to employees in the Puget Sound headquarters for an end-February 2026 implementation timeline.
In a recent communication to employees, Amy Coleman, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Microsoft, shared the company's updated approach to flexible work.
Emphasing that the most meaningful breakthroughs occur when individuals build upon each other's ideas in real time, she stressed on the need for in-person collaboration to foster energy, empowerment, and stronger results.
To align with this vision, Microsoft is updating its flexible work expectations to require employees to be in the office three days a week.
The return-to-office policy implementation will occur in three phases:
- Puget Sound area (i.e. global headquarters): Employees residing within 50 miles of a Microsoft office will be expected to work onsite three days a week by the end of February 2026. Personalised emails will be sent to these employees with further details. Employees may submit requests for exceptions to the policy.
- Other U.S. locations: Following the Puget Sound phase, the policy will expand to other U.S. office locations. Specific timelines and details will be announced in due course.
- International locations: For employees outside the United States, planning for the policy's implementation will begin in 2026.
Maintaining flexibility and providing support
CPO Coleman noted that the update is intended to provide employees with clearer guidance and consistency in how they come together, while maintaining the flexibility the staff value.
The company emphasised that the change is not linked to headcount reductions.
To support this transition, managers have access to resources, while employees are expected to receive guidance from their EVP or organisational leadership. Individual business units, Coleman noted, may adapt the company-wide expectations to best suit the needs of their teams.
She added the company will continue learning and adapting to support employee growth and career development.
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