• Source:JND
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Soon after Google’s work from office, Intel has now mandated a 4-day work-from-office schedule for its employees, signalling a major shift in its workplace strategy. This decision comes amid growing reports that the tech giant may be preparing to lay off up to 20% of its workforce as part of a broader cost-cutting and restructuring effort. Intel's desire to eliminate bureaucracy and regain operational agility are the main concerns that layoffs revolve around. While Intel has not officially confirmed the layoff numbers, internal sources suggest that significant workforce reductions could be on the horizon.

The recent office policy changes have worrying implications for employees given the company’s situation with straining economic conditions and heightened competition in the semiconductor industry. The new policy comes at a time when many firms are trying to improve relations with workers, making it difficult to reconcile with remote work policies in place at other big tech companies. This continues a broader pattern of companies seeking greater employee attendance at the office during difficult times.

4 Day Work From Office: Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan

Intel has also stated that it will increase the number of days employees must physically report to the office to four, deviating from its more flexible approach.

The Q1 2025 earnings call and Tan’s announcement were on the same day, which is why he went ahead to reiterate what was previously said. Intel's employees currently have a hybrid working model, enabling them to work from home two days a week. However, Tan noted that compliance with the Intel Work Hybrid Model has been “uneven at best”.

“I strongly believe that our sites need to be vibrant hubs of collaboration that reflect our culture in action,” Tan said. Also, “Them spending time together in person encourages more engaging and productive discussion and debate, which drives better and faster decision-making. It strengthens our connection with colleagues,”

As for now, Tan had indicated that Intel will implement the changes on September 1. More locally, company leadership will provide “site-specific details” and “seek [staff] feedback interactive on how to make the on-site experience as ideal as possible.”

Intel is also reportedly preparing to cut as many as 20% of its employees, becoming the latest big tech company to impose return-to-office policies.

Amazon forced corporate employees to return to office five days a week. Salesforce introduced a four-day work week policy in October. Apple transitioned to a hybrid system in 2022.

The available information is inconclusive as to whether working from an office increases productivity. Nonetheless, research indicates that return-to-office policies negatively impact employee satisfaction.

Also Read | Return Or Resign : Google Pushes Remote Workers Back To The Office