The rush to return to the office is stalling

Big companies from Microsoft to Paramount and NBCUniversal are ordering workers to show up to the office more often. If only their staffs would heed the call.

- Theo Francis

Even as corporate bosses cut back on remote work and ratchet up in-office mandates, average office attendance has barely budged across U.S. workplaces. Companies are struggling to enforce mandates, and many managers tasked with herding folks into the office would rather not be there either. Other executives have made their peace with hybrid work, especially amid cooling consumer confidence and an unpredictable trade war.

“There’s a lot more pressing things for companies to be worrying about right now,” said Beth Steinberg, a longtime tech-industry human-resources executive. As for whether bosses are cracking down on no-shows? “I haven't heard of many consequences for that, especially if somebody’s a high-performer.

The New York Times is among the latest companies to step up office-attendance requirements, telling opinion and newsroom staffers on Wednesday to come in at least four days a week by November, up from three. Microsoft wants three days starting in February for many Pacific Northwest employees.

Some ultimatums are blunter. At Paramount, staffers in New York and Los Angeles had until this week to commit to five days a week starting in January—or else take a buyout. NBCUniversal, which will require four days next year, gave staff a similar choice.

Those unable to comply should contact human resources about a “voluntary exit assistance package,” NBCUniversal told employees.