Samsung has begun requiring full-time in-office attendance for a group within its U.S. semiconductor division, implementing a five-day workweek policy that took effect in early July. The change marks a move away from the company’s previous FlexWork arrangement, which allowed up to two remote days per week, according to Business Insider.
The decision follows a series of internal updates starting in April, when employees were notified of efforts to reestablish a more active office environment. By May, regular on-site presence was encouraged, leading to full enforcement of the new schedule in July. The company cited goals related to real-time collaboration and increased face-to-face engagement.
To support adherence, Samsung is deploying a digital tool to monitor building entry data, including the number of days and hours employees are on site. Managers will be given access to these metrics to ensure staff are meeting expectations, and to address superficial compliance practices such as briefly badging in without staying for the full day. The system is described as an initial version, with limitations such as the inability to account for PTO or travel-related absences, though updates may be considered later.
Internal emails circulated in recent months describe a rise in campus activity since the new policy began, citing fuller parking lots and increased cafeteria traffic. Despite these changes, the company acknowledged that consistent attendance remains uneven and encouraged continued discussion between employees and leadership regarding individual circumstances.
A company spokesperson confirmed the five-day policy applies to a defined group within the U.S. semiconductor unit but declined to share further details, including the number of employees affected.
Samsung’s move aligns with other large corporations that are reintroducing pre-pandemic office requirements. Over the past year, companies including Amazon, AT&T, TikTok, and Dell have implemented similar full-week return-to-office mandates, signaling a widespread recalibration of workplace expectations in sectors once known for flexible arrangements.
