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Telecommunications giant AT&T has announced a full return-to-office (RTO) policy requiring employees to work in person five days a week starting January 2025.
The move marks a significant shift from the current hybrid model, which mandated three days of in-office attendance per week.
The firm says it is part of its broader strategy to drive workplace collaboration and innovation. The company’s consolidation efforts have already streamlined operations to nine core office hubs across the US, including Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington, St. Louis, and New Jersey’s Middletown and Bedminster locations.
In its 2024 proxy statement, AT&T confirmed that 18,000 management staff had transitioned to these hubs, with CEO John Stankey emphasizing the importance of physical presence.
Stankey has maintained a firm stance on RTO policies, stating in May 2023 that employees must make choices aligned with their priorities. “If they want to be a part of building a great culture and environment, they’ll come along on these adjustments,” he said. “Others may decide... to move in a different direction.”
A return to collaboration
AT&T insists the majority of its workforce continued working on location throughout the pandemic, including essential frontline roles. A company spokesperson said, “We always adapt our workforce model to drive collaboration and innovation... enhancing our facilities and workspaces to best equip employees to serve our customers.”
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The RTO mandate comes amid ongoing consolidation efforts, reducing office locations to cut costs and streamline operations. Despite this, AT&T asserts its office infrastructure is prepared (and big enough) for the transition.
AT&T’s approach aligns with a broader trend among corporate giants prioritizing in-person collaboration. In September, Amazon implemented a similar policy, requiring employees to work full-time in the office. The decision led to significant backlash, with internal surveys revealing widespread dissatisfaction among Amazon’s workforce.
Addressing logistical concerns
AT&T’s consolidation of office space has raised questions about capacity. While employees may be concerned about workspace availability, the company has been forced to assure them there are enough desks.
Other corporations have faced similar challenges during such transitions. Google, for instance, introduced desk-sharing policies after reducing office space, requiring employees to alternate in-office days with a designated desk partner.
AT&T’s five-day RTO mandate reflects a growing demand among employers for traditional workplace dynamics, balancing cost efficiency with fostering a unified company culture.
The telecom leader is committed to its RTO strategy despite industry trends and employee resistance to such rigid attendance policies. The coming months will determine whether the move results in increased productivity and collaboration or leads to further workplace disruption.
What is certain is that it will need to be carefully managed by the HR department during and after as employees readjust to life back in the office, particularly if there is an issue around desk space.
