Microsoft has announced an updated approach to flexible work, asking employees to return to the office three days a week as part of a phased global rollout.
The move – announced in a blog posted by Amy Coleman, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer – comes amid ongoing debate in the UK and beyond about the future of flexible work, with new legislation strengthening employees’ rights to request it. While the UK’s Flexible Working Act gives workers greater control over where and when they work, Microsoft’s update highlights the balancing act between flexibility and the benefits of in-person collaboration.
Staff were told that the pandemic had permanently reshaped working practices, accelerating digital connectivity but also reinforcing the value of face-to-face interaction. Coleman said:
“The data is clear: when people work together in person more often, they thrive -they are more energized, empowered, and they deliver stronger results,”
Microsoft stressed the policy is not about reducing headcount but about fostering innovation, wellbeing and productivity through intentional in-person time. The company says its research shows employees feel more engaged and energised when collaborating side by side, particularly as it develops AI products that depend on fast-paced, creative problem-solving.
The update reflects a wider tension many UK employers face; balancing employee autonomy with the social and wellbeing benefits of shared workplaces. While flexible work has been shown to improve work-life balance, reduce stress and support inclusion, in-person time can strengthen culture, build relationships, and reduce feelings of isolation.
Microsoft plans to support the transition with enhanced workplace safety measures and flexibility for employees needing exceptions. Coleman said the company would provide time for staff to plan and adapt, recognising the adjustment will be bigger for some than others.
The change will start in Microsoft’s Puget Sound headquarters from February 2026, followed by other US offices and then international locations. UK employees are not yet affected, but planning for implementation outside the US is expected to begin in 2026.
As UK organisations continue to respond to new flexible working rights, Microsoft’s approach signals how large employers may try to integrate flexibility with intentional office time – aiming to protect wellbeing, sustain productivity, and strengthen collaboration.
