IBM gives WFH managers an ultimatum: Move closer to the office or say goodbye

Global IT giant IBM has reportedly issued a company-wide directive to remote work managers, urging them to either move closer to the company’s offices or consider leaving the company.

according to a report BloombergAccording to the memo issued on January 16, managers operating within the United States have been directed to travel to nearby offices or customer sites at least three times per week, regardless of the status of their current worksite.

Memo to Manager: Key Details

Additionally, badge data will be used to “evaluate individual performance,” and that information will be communicated to managers and human resources, according to a communication from Senior Vice President John Granger. Granger also noted in his report that managers who refuse transfers and are not approved for remote positions must “separate themselves from IBM.”

“IBM is committed to providing a work environment that balances flexibility with face-to-face interaction, allowing us to be more efficient, innovative and better able to serve our clients.”

“In line with this approach, we require our U.S. executives and functional managers to be in the office at least three days per week,” a company spokesperson said.

Heads Up by Arvind Krishna, CEO

during an interview Bloomberg Last year, CEO Arvind Krishna said that individuals not working on-site might reduce the frequency of promotions.

IBM has instructed teleworking employees who are unable to commute from their current locations (excluding those who are serving in the military or facing medical issues) to relocate to an area closest to the company’s offices by early August. According to sources familiar with the policy, the required distance is within 80 kilometers of the office location.

Return to office trends

IBM isn’t the only company emphasizing a return to office work. Similarly, Tata Consultancy Services announced in September last year that its employees would have to resume working in the office five days a week from October 1.

This trend reflects a broader shift in organizational preferences for remote and in-office work arrangements.