Microsoft-owned LinkedIn is telling some workers to return to the office multiple days a week, leaked memo shows

• LinkedIn’s COO is telling some workers to come in multiple days each week, according to a memo.
• LinkedIn was previously flexible as to how often hybrid workers came to the office.
• LinkedIn owner Microsoft has so far been more flexible with its workforce than peers like Amazon.

According to an internal memo obtained by Insider, Microsoft-owned LinkedIn is asking some employees to return to the office “multiple days per week” beginning next month.

“Starting the week of November 6, I’m asking hybrid team members to spend multiple days per week in the office or in person with customers, for most weeks,” wrote LinkedIn Chief Operating Officer Dan Shapero in an email to the company’s Global Business Organization. Sales teams are included in the organization.

Unlike other large tech companies, such as Amazon, LinkedIn’s instructions specifically mention “hybrid workers,” and do not appear to include those who are completely remote.

“I also want to reiterate our continued support for our remote employees, and we’re working on plans to help foster connection and invest in relationships,” Shapero said in a statement.

Workers who work remotely and from an office are referred to as hybrids. This is the first time LinkedIn has specified how often those employees should expect to be in the office. Previously, there was no requirement for hybrid workers to commute in.

“Our hybrid approach is rooted in trust — and over the past few years, we’ve learned time and time again, how each of you have diligently done your individual work based on where it worked best for you and your team,” Shapero said in a statement. “We’ve also learned that it’s critical that we come together in person on a regular basis, to be the highest performing team possible, while also retaining much of the flexibility we’ve come to enjoy over the last few years.”

Shapero stated that the new guidelines are focused on “connections between teammates” as well as training new hires, two areas where research supports the superiority of a busy office.

“Our recent research findings have reinforced the link between being physically together and the quality of connections between teammates, as well as how people transition into new roles.” “Coming together on purpose helps us increase efficiency, creativity, and innovation,” Shapero wrote.

“We’re constantly evaluating when our teams come together, which has always included our hybrid employees working in our offices some days.” “We trust our employees and teams to evolve their approach so that they can stay connected with one another and do their best work,” said a LinkedIn spokesperson.

While other companies, such as Meta and Amazon, have implemented stricter return-to-work mandates, LinkedIn owner Microsoft has been more flexible with its workforce thus far.