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Dell has announced that its global sales team will be required to work from company offices five days a week.
The return to office (RTO) mandate, effective September 30th, marks another big change from the tech company’s previous hybrid policies of three office days per week.
Reuters reports that a company memo cited the importance of establishing a collaborative environment — which Dell believes is essential for improving the skills of its employees. The mandate applies to those who can physically access Dell’s offices.
In February, Dell introduced an RTO mandate requiring staff to identify as either a remote worker or a hybrid worker. Hybrid workers were told they are required to work in person at least 39 days per quarter — which equates to at least three days a week in the office. Dell also began tracking its hybrid employee office attendance through card swipes.
The company then took a controversial approach to curb the number of people who remained remote workers. Under Dell’s work policies, those who chose to remain classified as remote workers would not be eligible for a promotion. These policies led to a 20% drop in company-wide satisfaction scores.
Reuters reports that field representatives from the sales team will also be affected by the latest policy update. They are expected to spend five days each week either with customers and partners or in the office. However, flexibility remains for those unable to access a Dell office. Remote work will continue to be an option, and Dell has committed to providing more information regarding these employees in the coming weeks.
This policy adjustment is part of a broader trend among large technology companies reassessing their flexible work policies. Last week, Amazon announced a similar mandate, requiring employees to be in the office five days a week starting next year.
The trend reflects challenges larger companies are having with maintaining hybrid work environments. Greater flexibility and work-life balance is demanded from many top employees, but the big question is how to provide that while also improving the in-person collaboration that employers desire.
