Microsoft ends work-from-home: 3-Day office attendance mandatory from 2026

Microsoft has officially announced that they are ending its fully flexible work-from-home (WFH) policy. From February 2026, employees living within 50 miles of its Redmond, Washington headquarters will be required to work from the office at least three days a week. The policy will later expand to other US and international offices, including India, as part of a global shift back to office culture.

Microsoft brings back office work culture

Microsoft introduced its flexible remote-work policy in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling employees to work from home at least half the time without approval. However, the company has now announced a mandatory hybrid work model, signalling a big change in workplace culture.

Who will be affected first?

The new policy will be rolled out in phases:

• Phase 1: Employees within 50 miles of Redmond HQ must return to the office for 3 days a week by February 2026.
• Phase 2: Other US office locations will be included gradually.
• Phase 3: International offices, including India, will see planning and rollout begin later in 2026.

Amy Coleman, Microsoft’s Chief People Officer, said that the employees will get enough time to prepare for the shift.

Work-from-home culture fading worldwide

• The pandemic popularised remote working, all because of safety, but many global companies are now encouraging employees to return to physical offices.
• Amazon: Mandated 5 days in the office for most employees.
• Meta, Google, JP Morgan, Wipro, and Flipkart: Have already rolled back flexible WFH policies.
• This signals a global trend where hybrid and office-based models are becoming the norm again.

What does it mean for Indian Microsoft employees?

While the new rule will first apply in the US offices initially, Microsoft India offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other locations are likely to adopt the same policy in 2026 (timeline unspecified).

Read Also

Microsoft’s Copilot Vision just got better: AI can now scan full desktop for smarter assistance

Microsoft layoff 9000 people due to H-1B visa issue: Satya Nadella defends the move

Microsoft backs down: Nayara Energy services restored before Delhi High Court hearing

Fearing job loss to AI? Here are 40 roles AI could replace and 40 that are safe

Microsoft Windows PCs to think, see and talk like humans in future: What else to expect?

Big embarrassment for Microsoft: Critical security bug found in new AI tool

Microsoft brings improvements to Windows 11 Dark Mode: What’s changing in 25H2 update?

Indian software engineer found dead at Microsoft Silicon Valley campus, investigation underway

For Indian IT professionals, this could mean a major lifestyle change, especially for those who relocated away from office cities during the pandemic.