IBM Consulting has issued a directive mandating its US-based executives and people managers to return to the corporate office at least three days a week, effective immediately. In an email to staff, John Granger, SVP of IBM Consulting, emphasized that this policy applies company-wide and extends beyond the Consulting division. This marks a shift from a previous memo in 2022, which suggested working from the office three days a week “wherever possible.” Failure to comply with the new directive could result in employees being asked to “separate from IBM.”
This move follows a similar directive from IBM Software in September 2023, signaling a broader organizational stance against remote work. IBM’s historical reluctance towards remote work predates the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 2017 attempt to end telecommuting, seen by some employees as an effort to push older workers out.
A source within IBM, speaking anonymously, described the return-to-office policy as “attrition by design,” suggesting that while the company may spend on relocating and promoting younger employees, it ultimately stands to save money by shedding more experienced and costly workers. Additionally, the order to return to the office coincides with IBM’s closure of regional hubs.
Granger justified the decision by stating, “Winning in the marketplace demands our collective focus and alignment on innovation, speed, and execution,” emphasizing the belief that face-to-face interaction drives engagement, productivity, and the desired corporate culture.
Contrary to this belief, recent economic research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco suggests that remote work has no significant impact on productivity. The study concludes that the shift to remote work is unlikely to explain variations in productivity across sectors.
IBM’s plan requires executives and people managers to work from a client location or an IBM office at least three days a week, with exceptions granted for medical conditions or military service. Those not currently working from an office or client site must relocate by August 1, find a related remote work-approved role within IBM Consulting, or consider leaving the company. 1F 1F 1F 1F 1F 1F 1F 1F
Despite potential discontent among affected employees, IBM maintains that it aims to provide a work environment balancing flexibility with face-to-face interactions. Executives and people managers in the United States are now required to spend at least three days per week in the office.
