Meta to Implement Three-Day Office Presence for Employees

Meta’s persistent efforts to bring its employees back to the office may finally pay off as the social media giant announces that office-based workers will be required to work in-person for a minimum of three days per week beginning September 5th. However, those who are currently working remotely will be allowed to continue doing so.

According to a spokesperson, Meta is dedicated to promoting remote work and recognizes that it can have a positive impact on employees’ performance. The company aims to enhance collaboration and work culture to facilitate optimal productivity, both in the office and at home. This is part of a hybrid strategy that was previously announced along with significant staff reductions. Meta has identified 2023 as the “year of efficiency” and acknowledges that some level of in-person teamwork is necessary for maximum productivity.

Meta introduced an official remote work policy in May 2020, when it became clear that the COVID-19 pandemic was unlikely to end soon. Although it hoped to reopen its offices in 2021, it has repeatedly fallen behind schedule as COVID-19 spreads and new virus variants emerge. In early 2022, contract workers protested the demand to return to the office months before internal Meta workers (at the time) decided to make a similar move.

The social networking giant is not alone. Apple and other major tech companies have imposed variable work schedules and faced similar resistance. Some workers have objected to reduced flexibility in locations and schedules, as well as increased costs, which may include day care and transportation. There is also pressure from other companies. Shopify, Spotify, and other well-known brands have remote startup policies that may be more attractive to job seekers. Although the pandemic seems to be ending, the employment situation has clearly changed.