Uber Tightens In-Office Requirement to Three Days a Week, Reconsiders Remote Work Approvals

Uber announced on Monday that it will increase its in-office work requirement to three days a week, a move that affects even those employees who had previously been approved for remote work. In a memo to staff, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized the need for the company to excel, stating, "Even as the external environment remains dynamic, we are on solid footing with a clear strategy and ambitious plans. To reach the next level, we need to be great, not just good." Khosrowshahi outlined several changes aimed at improving the company’s performance. Starting in June, employees will be required to work in the office from Tuesday to Thursday, extending the current "anchor days" policy set in 2022, which mandated office presence on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The memo noted that the company had already notified affected remote workers of this change. Additionally, Uber has revised its paid sabbatical program. Previously, employees became eligible for a one-month sabbatical after five years of service. Now, they must wait until they have been with the company for eight years. Khosrowshahi explained, “When we first introduced the sabbatical program, reaching five years of tenure was a significant milestone. Today, with the introduction of Work from Anywhere benefits, the landscape has changed.” The CEO stressed that while remote work has its advantages, in-person collaboration is essential for fostering innovation and increasing the pace of operations. He stated, “Our collective view as a leadership team is that while remote work can be beneficial, being in the office enhances collaboration, drives creativity, and accelerates progress.” These changes align with a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are attempting to cut costs and streamline operations following over-hiring during the pandemic. Google, for example, recently implemented similar policies, requiring remote workers to return to the office or face potential termination. Khosrowshahi also mentioned that remote work has contributed to the loss of Uber’s most loyal customers—those who used ride-sharing services for their daily commutes. “We need to raise our standards and make sure that we are doing everything possible to regain their trust and business,” he wrote. To enforce these new policies, Uber will monitor attendance at both team and individual levels. Khosrowshahi acknowledged the potential concerns among employees and announced an all-hands meeting on Tuesday to discuss the changes. He and Nikki Krishnamurthy, the company’s chief people officer, will address questions and feedback from the workforce. The announcement sparked immediate reactions on Uber’s internal Q&A platform. Many employees expressed dissatisfaction, particularly with the sabbatical policy change. One staff member commented, “This isn’t ‘doing the right thing’ for your employees.” Despite the rapid feedback, Uber did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these concerns. These policy shifts reflect Uber’s strategic focus on maximizing efficiency and fostering a collaborative environment, even as the company navigates ongoing challenges in the post-pandemic business landscape.