Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is implementing a new policy that cracks down on remote work and threatens penalties for employees who do not return to the office. This is a significant shift from Zuckerberg’s previous support for working from home.
According to an internal memo penned by human relations executive Lori Goler, Meta’s In-Person Time Policy will now require employees to be in the office three days a week. Failure to comply with this policy could result in termination or a negative impact on performance reviews.
There are exemptions for employees who were hired in fully remote positions or had previously received approval to work remotely. However, those who have worked at the company for 18 months or less will not be allowed to work from home full-time.
In addition, fully remote employees will be limited to spending four days in the office over a two-month period, unless there is a clear business reason for them to be present. Meta will track hours and attendance through employee IDs.
A spokesperson for Meta stated that the company remains committed to distributed work and believes employees can make a meaningful impact both in the office and at home. They also mentioned that the company will continuously refine its model to support collaboration, relationships, and a positive work culture.
This change in policy comes after Zuckerberg initially extended Meta’s remote-work policy in June 2021 during the pandemic, expressing optimism about remote work at scale. The company had also been investing heavily in the metaverse and tools to enhance remote work conditions.
However, Zuckerberg’s position began to shift when an internal analysis in March suggested that in-person work allowed engineers to be more productive. In June, he announced the requirement for employees to spend three days in the office each week.
While some employees may appreciate the flexibility and benefits of remote work, others may prefer the structure and collaboration that comes with in-person interactions. It is clear that Meta is aiming to strike a balance between these two approaches.
In conclusion, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is cracking down on remote work by implementing a new policy that requires employees to be in the office three days a week. Failure to comply could result in termination or negative performance reviews. The company will also limit the number of days fully remote employees can spend in the office. While Meta remains committed to distributed work, they believe a combination of office and remote work is necessary for employees to do their best work. This shift in policy reflects a growing belief that in-person work allows for increased productivity and collaboration.
