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Telcom giant Verizon is using AT&T's recent and unpopular RTO mandate as a recruitment tool, targeting its employees by emphasizing its own commitment to more flexible working options.
With AT&T enforcing a full-time office mandate for employees beginning in January, Verizon has seized the opportunity to recruit those who may be unwilling to commit to five days a week on-site.
In an email sent to AT&T employees and obtained by Business Insider, Verizon’s talent team encouraged recipients to explore hybrid and remote job opportunities within the company.
“Following the news of changing RTO policies across the industry, we're reaching out to share helpful resources and potential hybrid/remote job opportunities across Verizon,” the message read. The outreach emphasized Verizon’s flexible work options, positioning itself as an alternative for those dissatisfied with AT&T’s stricter in-office requirements.
AT&T defends office-based work culture
While Verizon declined to comment on the recruitment effort, AT&T responded by reinforcing its commitment to an office-based work environment.
“We desire individuals who wish to work in a dynamic and challenging team environment with strong relationships and collaboration fostered by in-office constructs,” the company said.
AT&T also said that employees are free to choose the type of company and work environment that best suits them.
The return to office has not been without hurdles, however. AT&T employees have reported logistical challenges, including a lack of available desks, parking shortages, and shifting policy guidance.
Those frustrations have fuelled a broader debate over workplace flexibility, with some employees reconsidering their options in an evolving job market.
Verizon highlights flexibility and benefits
Verizon’s job listings are a mix of in-office and hybrid roles, with more than 1,200 US openings posted at time of writing, 10 of which were fully remote. Several full-time listings require at least eight office days per month, allowing for greater flexibility than AT&T’s five-day mandate.
The Verizon email also underscored the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a point of distinction as some major corporations pull back from DEI initiatives.
“If you're looking for a culture of learning that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion with room to grow, our V Team may be the place for you,” the message stated.
Verizon also highlighted key employee benefits, including up to $8,000 in annual tuition assistance, five weeks of paid time off, paid parental leave, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
As RTO policies continue to divide employees, Verizon’s recruitment push signals a new front in the competition between tech giants.
