Starbucks has announced a significant change in its workplace policy, requiring corporate employees to work from the office at least four days a week, starting in October 2025. It is an increase from the previous three-day requirement and is part of the company’s wider strategy. The new policy also requires all corporate “human leaders” to move to Seattle or Toronto within 12 months, a move that can affect hundreds of employees. To those who do not want to move, they will be offered a voluntary package to pay cash.
Executive Director Brian Nicole emphasized the importance of personal cooperation, saying: “We restore our culture in the office because we do our best job when we are together. We share ideas more efficiently, creatively solve difficult problems and move much faster.” The company’s decision reflects the growing trend among major employers to cancel the privileges of remote work provided during the pandemic.
Starbucks is far from alone. Over the last two years, a wave of large corporations has issued similar mandates to return the office (RTO), signaling a decisive shift from the remote flexibility of the pandemic era. Here’s how some of the biggest world companies answered:
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Amazon: At the end of 2024, it announced that all employees would have to return to the office five days a week in the new year, terminating hybrid and remote arrangements. The company cites improved cooperation and culture as key reasons.
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Apple: Since 2022, Apple requires employees to be in the office for at least three days a week, with CEO Tim Cook emphasizing the value of personal team work.
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Walmart: In May 2024, Walmart requires remote employees to move to central centers, including Arkansas Headquarters, or to risk losing their jobs. Hybrid schedules are still allowed, but most work must be personal.
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Dell: In January 2025, Dell completed the remote work for most employees, appointing five days a week at the office for residents near the company.
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Disney: In January 2023, CEO Bob Iger imposed a four-day work week at the Hybrid Office, starting in March 2023, reversing earlier flexible policies.
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JPMORGAN Chase: Management Directors are required to work personally five days a week since 2023, as the wider office mandates for another staff. The company is reported to be considering expanding the five -day requirement for all employees.
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Goldman Sachs: Insisans for a full return to the office of 2022.
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Citigroup: In 2025, Citigroup asked its American workers, who were previously remote to return to the office full -time, although some hybrid flexibility remained.