IBM is asking managers to work from office 3 days a week or get fired

IBM has issued a directive requiring all its managers in the United States to work from the office or client locations for a minimum of three days a week. The internal memo, which was just released by the company, has garnered attention for outlining a new policy that could potentially lead to job termination for non-compliance.

The memo, obtained by Bloomberg, revealed that IBM wants to use badge-in data to track and assess the physical presence of its managers. Employees falling under this directive must reportedly reside within 50 miles of an IBM office or client location. Furthermore, the memo specifies that affected individuals must complete their relocation arrangements by August. Those unable to adhere to the new mandate or secure a remote position have been asked to "separate from IBM."

A spokesperson for IBM verified the memo's contents and asserted the company's commitment to improve the work environment that balances flexibility with face-to-face interactions. The spokesperson clarified that executives and people managers in the United States are now required to be physically present in the office for at least three days each week.

This policy marks a notable departure from IBM's previous approach to remote work. In May, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna stated that employees wouldn't be compelled to return to the office. However, the recent memo indicates a change in strategy, reflecting a belief that regular in-person presence is crucial for certain roles within the company.

Notably, Krishna had acknowledged earlier that while remote work might allow for short-term productivity, it could impact employees' career progression. He suggested that those working remotely might find it more challenging to secure promotions as their contributions may be less visible in comparison to their office-bound counterparts.

This move by IBM is not surprising because several tech companies have made similar decisions, which disappointed many employees. Some chose to leave their jobs, whereas a few people forcefully joined the company to comply with the policy.

A few months back, Amazon reportedly allowed managers to fire employees who won't come to office thrice a week. The policy outlined a three-step process for non-compliance. First, managers were supposed to conduct a private conversation with non-compliant employees, documenting it in an email. If the issue persists, a second meeting is held within one to two weeks, emphasizing the office return requirement and warning of potential disciplinary action. The final step involves HR, which may issue warnings or take further actions, which could lead to termination if non-compliance persists.