Microsoft has asked its employees to work from the office at least three days a week, starting in 2026.
In its new flexible work update, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Amy Coleman, shared the company’s three-phase plan to recall employees to the office.
As per its first phase, Microsoft Office employees based in the Puget Sound area, including the company’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, are required to start coming to the office three days a week by the end of February 2026, if they live within a 50-mile radius of a Microsoft office.
The second phase of the flexible work update will expand the mandate to other offices in the US. Following this, the update will be launched to the company’s international offices.
“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,” shared Coleman. “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, solving challenging problems together.”
In the statement, Microsoft has assured that it will share timelines and details for the US locations soon. For offices based outside the US, the company will begin planning the execution of the three-day policy in 2026.
“We want you to continue to shape your schedule in ways that work best for you, making in-person time intentional and impactful. Importantly, this update is not about reducing headcount,” Coleman addressed the employees. “It’s about working together in a way that enables us to meet our customers’ needs.”
