Microsoft Employees Will Go Back to the Office 3 Days a Week
In a significant shift in its work policies, Microsoft has announced that most of its employees will be required to work onsite at least three days a week starting in 2026. This move marks the end of the highly flexible remote work arrangement that the company adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed employees to work from home for at least half the time without needing additional approvals.
The new return-to-office (RTO) policy was communicated to employees by Microsoft’s Chief People Officer, Amy Coleman, in an internal memo circulated in September 2025. Coleman emphasized that company research indicates employees “thrive” when working together in person more frequently. She highlighted that in-person collaboration drives better performance and innovation, aligning with the company’s goals of fostering clarity, consistency, and impactful face-to-face interactions.
The policy will initially roll out to employees in the Puget Sound region near Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington headquarters in late February 2026. This applies to employees living within 50 miles of a Microsoft office. Following the initial rollout, the policy will extend to other U.S. locations and eventually to international offices, with specific timelines and details for each location to be shared later.
While the three-day onsite requirement will apply to most employees, certain roles and situations will offer exceptions. Employees who do not have colleagues or clients at their assigned office, or those with unusually long or complex commutes, can request exceptions by September 19, 2025. Additionally, specific job functions such as account managers, consultants, and field marketing staff—roles that require frequent travel or customer interaction—are exempt from the three-day requirement and will continue to operate with more flexibility.
Microsoft’s decision aligns with a broader industry trend among tech giants to increase onsite work. Companies like Meta (Facebook’s parent) require a minimum of three days in the office per week, while Amazon mandates five days onsite. Even Zoom, a platform built on remote communication, has implemented hybrid RTO policies. This shift reflects a growing belief that in-person collaboration is essential for innovation and team performance.
The company has made it clear that the new policy is not about reducing headcount but rather about enhancing team performance and meeting customer needs through more consistent in-person collaboration. Microsoft also commits to improving workplace safety and security as part of the return plan.
Microsoft’s previous flexible work policy, adopted after the pandemic shutdowns in 2020, allowed significant remote work. While some employees have already adapted to hybrid arrangements, others may find the transition to a more structured schedule challenging. The company aims to provide sufficient time for employees to adjust, acknowledging that this shift may be significant for some.
In summary, Microsoft is moving toward a more structured hybrid work model, requiring most employees to work onsite at least three days a week starting in 2026. The policy includes exceptions for certain roles and situations, with a regional rollout plan before global implementation. The company frames this decision as part of creating an environment where employees and teams can do their best work, reflecting a broader shift among major tech firms toward more structured, in-person collaboration.
Microsoft’s updated policy reflects a strategic shift toward fostering in-person collaboration, driven by internal research that suggests employees perform better when working together onsite. The company has emphasized that this change is designed to create an environment where both employees and teams can achieve their full potential. While the policy introduces a more structured approach to work, it still allows for some flexibility, particularly for roles that require frequent travel or customer interactions.
The rollout of the new RTO policy will be gradual, starting with employees in the Puget Sound region near Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters in late February 2026. This initial phase will apply to employees living within a 50-mile radius of a Microsoft office. Following the Puget Sound rollout, the policy will expand to other U.S. locations, with international offices to follow. The company has stated that the timing and specific details for each location will be communicated as the rollout progresses.
Employees who require exceptions to the three-day onsite mandate must submit their requests by September 19, 2025. Microsoft has outlined specific criteria for exceptions, including cases where employees do not have colleagues or clients at their assigned office or those with unusually long or complex commutes. The company has also provided internal FAQs to guide employees through the exception request process, ensuring clarity and consistency in how these requests are handled.
Microsoft’s decision to implement a more structured hybrid work model aligns with a broader industry trend among major tech companies. For instance, Meta (Facebook’s parent company) requires employees to work onsite at least three days per week, while Amazon has mandated five days of onsite work. Even Zoom, a company built on remote communication tools, has adopted hybrid RTO policies. This industry-wide shift underscores the growing consensus that in-person collaboration is critical for driving innovation and improving team performance.
The company has been clear that the new policy is not intended to reduce headcount but rather to enhance collaboration and customer satisfaction. Microsoft has also committed to improving workplace safety and security as part of its return-to-office plan, recognizing the importance of creating a secure and supportive environment for all employees.
Microsoft’s previous flexible work policy, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed employees to work remotely for at least half the time without requiring additional approvals. While this policy provided significant flexibility, the company acknowledges that the shift to a more structured hybrid model may require adjustments for some employees. To support this transition, Microsoft is providing ample time for employees to adapt, recognizing that the change may be significant for those who have grown accustomed to remote work.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s decision to transition most employees to a three-day onsite workweek starting in 2026 reflects a strategic shift toward fostering in-person collaboration and innovation. While the policy introduces a more structured approach to hybrid work, it maintains flexibility for certain roles and situations. The gradual rollout, beginning with the Puget Sound region, allows employees time to adapt to the new model. This move aligns with broader industry trends, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions for team performance and customer satisfaction. Microsoft has made it clear that this change is not about reducing headcount but about creating an environment where employees can thrive and deliver their best work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is exempt from the three-day onsite requirement?
Employees who do not have colleagues or clients at their assigned office, those with unusually long or complex commutes, or roles requiring frequent travel (e.g., account managers, consultants) are exempt from the three-day onsite requirement.
When will the new policy take effect?
The policy will initially apply to employees in the Puget Sound region near Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters starting in late February 2026. Other U.S. locations and international offices will follow, with specific timelines shared later.
How does the policy affect employees outside the Puget Sound region?
Following the initial rollout in the Puget Sound region, the policy will expand to other U.S. locations and eventually to international offices. Specific details for each location will be communicated as the rollout progresses.
What is the deadline for requesting exceptions to the onsite requirement?
Employees must submit their exception requests by September 19, 2025. Microsoft has provided internal FAQs to guide employees through the request process.
How does Microsoft’s policy compare to other tech companies?
Microsoft’s three-day onsite requirement aligns with industry trends. Meta requires at least three days onsite, while Amazon mandates five days. Even Zoom has adopted hybrid RTO policies, reflecting a growing emphasis on in-person collaboration for innovation and performance.