After Layoffs, Microsoft Plans Three-Day Work-from-Office Policy Starting 2026

Following a major round of layoffs, Microsoft is now encouraging its employees to return to the office at least three days a week, starting in February 2026. The new policy, initially targeting employees near its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, will later be expanded to all international locations, including offices in India.

The shift comes as many companies are reversing their pandemic-era remote work policies. Microsoft, like other tech giants, had embraced work-from-home during COVID-19 to ensure employee safety and business continuity. Now, the company believes that more in-person collaboration will lead to “stronger results,” according to Chief People Officer Amy Coleman.

In a blog post, Microsoft stressed that the move is not about reducing headcount, despite recent job cuts that saw 15,000 employees laid off since May. Instead, the focus is on enhancing productivity and team cohesion. The transition will be gradual and thoughtfully executed in three stages to ...