Uber is making a significant shift in its work policy by requiring employees to return to the office at least three days a week. In a memo to staff, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced that starting in June, employees will need to work in the office from Tuesday to Thursday. This change affects many workers who were previously allowed to work fully remotely.
Khosrowshahi explained that after reviewing remote work approvals, the company decided to bring many remote employees back into the office. He also mentioned that new remote positions will be created only on a limited basis moving forward. The CEO emphasized that being in the office enhances collaboration and creativity.
The new in-office attendance policy will be closely monitored, with tracking at both team and individual levels to ensure compliance. Khosrowshahi plans to hold an all-hands meeting to discuss these changes with employees.
In addition to the office attendance requirement, Uber is also adjusting its employee benefits. The company has changed its sabbatical program, making it available only to employees who have been with the company for eight years, up from five years.
Since 2022, Uber had already implemented a hybrid work model, requiring employees to spend at least half of their time in the office. Under that model, Tuesday and Thursday were designated as mandatory office days, while some employees remained fully remote.
This move by Uber reflects a broader trend among companies returning to in-person work after the pandemic. Other tech giants, like Google and Amazon, have also reinforced their in-office policies, with Google mandating three days a week and Amazon requiring five days a week in the office.
Following the announcement, some Uber employees expressed their dissatisfaction on internal message boards, arguing that the new policy does not prioritize employee well-being. As companies adjust their work policies, the debate over remote versus in-person work continues to stir strong feelings among employees.