IBM orders managers back to office or resign

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Multinational technology corporation International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has instructed all managers in the United States to report in person to an office or client location at least three days per week, regardless of current remote work arrangements.
According to an internal memo from Senior Vice President John Granger and viewed by Bloomberg, employees who fail to comply must “separate from IBM.”
IBM will use badge-in data to track office attendance, which will be shared with managers and human resources (HR).
Those working remotely must relocate within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of an IBM office by August 1st to keep their jobs, with few exceptions for employees with medical issues or serving the military.
“IBM is focused on providing a work environment that balances flexibility with the face-to-face interactions that make us more productive, innovative and better able to serve our clients,” a company spokesperson said.
The shift comes despite IBM’s efforts to reduce real estate, closing numerous offices in central New York State, Southbury, and Iowa in 2020.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna has been vocal about preferring in-office work, claiming remote workers will face limited career advancement.