‘Disciplinary action’ | Meet office attendance policy or else - Is Vodafone's warning to staff the right way to RTO?

Vodafone has warned its UK staff that a failure to work from the office or onsite for a minimum of eight days per month from April could result in ‘disciplinary action.’

According to a report from The Register, a memo was issued to staff last week, titled ‘Hybrid Working at Vodafone.’ The memo outlined the potential sanctions for non-compliance with the policy ranging from written warnings to ineligibility for bonus payments in 2026 and beyond.

But as employers grapple with the thorny issue of the return-to-office, are strictly enforced sanctions – rather than purely incentivising staff back to in-person work – the right way to go? Or is anything other than a rigid policy merely wishful thinking?

What did Vodafone tell staff about hybrid & in-office requirements?

In the letter to staff, Vodafone reminded employees about the details of its hybrid policy, which requires staff to work in-office at least eight days each month.