Uber Mandates 50% Increase in On-Site Work Days

Uber, the American technology giant, has become the latest company to tighten its hybrid work policy. According to an internal memo obtained by the media, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced that starting in June, all employees will be required to be on-site three days a week, from Tuesday to Thursday, a 50% increase from the current two-day requirement. This adjustment will also affect some positions that were previously fully remote.

The internal document shows that the "anchor day" policy, which has been in place since 2022 and required employees to be on-site on Tuesdays and Thursdays, will be replaced by the new rule. Khosrowshahi emphasized in the memo that "employees need to push themselves, and the company can accelerate its development and take smarter risks."

Uber's move signifies a deepening trend of American companies encouraging a return to the office. Other major corporations, such as Amazon and JPMorgan Chase, have already fully restored the five-day in-office workweek. Last week, Intel's new CEO, Pat Gelsinger, in a letter to employees, required that by September 1, the number of days employees are on-site each week be increased from approximately three days to at least four days, citing "serious imbalance" in the current policy's execution.

This shift in policy by Uber reflects a broader trend among major corporations to bring employees back to the office more frequently. The move is likely driven by a desire to foster collaboration, innovation, and a stronger company culture, which can be more challenging to achieve in a fully remote work environment. The requirement for employees to be on-site three days a week is a significant step towards a more traditional office setting, while still allowing for some flexibility in work arrangements.

The decision to increase the number of days employees must be on-site is also a response to the evolving needs of the company. As Uber continues to grow and expand its services, there is a greater need for in-person collaboration and communication. By requiring employees to be on-site more frequently, the company can better coordinate efforts, share ideas, and work together to achieve its goals.

However, the move may also face resistance from employees who have grown accustomed to the flexibility and convenience of remote work. Some employees may feel that the increased requirement to be on-site will negatively impact their work-life balance and productivity. It remains to be seen how employees will respond to the new policy and whether it will ultimately be successful in achieving its intended goals.