Verizon woos AT&T staff amid return-to-office return
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Telecommunications giant Verizon has launched a targeted recruitment campaign aimed at AT&T employees who may be dissatisfied with their employer’s recent return-to-office mandate.
The move comes after AT&T implemented a five-day in-office requirement for its workforce in January 2025, replacing its previous hybrid model.
In an email obtained by Business Insider, Verizon’s talent team directly addressed AT&T staff, highlighting flexible work arrangements available at their company.
“Following the news of changing RTO policies across the industry, we’re reaching out to share helpful resources and potential hybrid/remote job opportunities across Verizon,” the email stated.
“If you have been personally affected by organizational policy changes or know anyone who has, we’re looking to add top talent to the V team.”
Competing work models
While Verizon touts flexibility with remote and hybrid possibilities, AT&T doubled down on its dedication to in-office work. AT&T replied to the hiring initiative by saying that employees “always have a choice to pick the type of company and work environment they wish to be part of.”
“We desire individuals who wish to work in a dynamic and challenging team environment with strong relationships and collaboration fostered by in-office constructs,” AT&T added.
Verizon’s job board currently lists over 1,200 positions across the United States, with several full-time roles requiring just eight days in the office per month.
Challenges of return-to-office
AT&T’s transition back to full-time office work hasn’t been without complications. Employees have reported logistical issues including insufficient desk space, quickly filled parking lots, and elevator shortages.
The timing of Verizon’s recruitment push highlights how workplace flexibility has become a key differentiator in the battle for talent. In fact, a new survey by FTI Consulting reveals that 70% of U.S. workers currently in remote or hybrid arrangements would likely seek alternative employment if required to return to the office full-time at their current salary.
Similarly, according to a new Pew Research Center survey, 46% of employees would likely seek new employment if their remote work privileges were revoked.
A recent online survey conducted by Indeed revealed that 42% of remote and hybrid workers have now been instructed to return to their workplace full-time.
Some companies that started to implement RTO include Amazon, Dell Technologies, ad giant WPP, and banking giant JPMorgan Chase.
As companies continue to refine their post-pandemic work policies, employee preferences for flexible arrangements remain a significant factor in retention and recruitment strategies.
