Microsoft Ends Remote Flexibility, Orders Workers Back to Office Three Days a Week

Microsoft has officially announced the end of its largely flexible remote work era, unveiling a new policy that will require employees to be in the office at least three days each week starting in February 2026. A Phased Rollout The new mandate will first apply to staff living within 50 miles of Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters, before gradually extending to other U.S. hubs and then to international offices later in the year. While the requirement is set at three days, managers retain the authority to set stricter schedules of four or even five days in-person, depending on business needs. Why Microsoft Is Making the Change Amy Coleman, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, said the decision was driven by data showing stronger productivity and innovation when teams collaborate face-to-face. “We want to build an environment where employees thrive, ideas grow faster, and teams deliver with greater impact,” Coleman noted...