AT&T CEO John Stankey Tells Employees to Align with Company Priorities or Leave

AT&T CEO John Stankey addressed employee feedback about a 5-day in-office mandate in a memo to managers. He stated that those who want hybrid work "will have a difficult time aligning" with company priorities. Stankey also shared the company's employee engagement survey results, showing 79% of respondents feel committed and engaged with their work. He emphasized that if employees' personal desires don't align with the company's, they should find a career opportunity that suits their needs.

AT&T CEO John Stankey has issued a memo to managers addressing the company's employee engagement survey and the recent shift to a five-day in-office mandate. In the memo, Stankey highlighted the declining self-reported employee engagement levels and emphasized the importance of aligning personal desires with the company's strategic direction. The memo, obtained by Business Insider, underscores AT&T's commitment to a market-based culture focused on rewarding capability, contribution, and commitment [1].

The survey, which received responses from over 99,000 employees (73% of the company), revealed that 79% of respondents feel committed and engaged with their work. However, Stankey noted that the company fell short of its engagement goal and that scores declined since the 2023 survey. He attributed this to the significant changes the company has undergone, including the shift from a hybrid schedule to a five-day in-office mandate [1].

Stankey stated that those who desire hybrid work may face difficulties aligning their priorities with the company's goals. He encouraged employees to find career opportunities that align with their aspirations and needs if they cannot adapt to the new in-office policy. The memo also touched on the company's ongoing investments in office facilities and the transition to a more market-based culture, emphasizing the need for employees to embrace change [1].

AT&T has seen robust earnings and a significant increase in share prices, rising more than 21% in 2025, despite the challenges posed by the transition to a five-day in-office mandate. The memo reflects Stankey's belief that the company's willingness to disrupt itself has been a key factor in its sustained relevance over the past 150 years [1].

References:
[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/att-ceo-john-stankey-email-employee-feedback-survey-rto-policy-2025-8