Microsoft sends company wide memo, asks employees to return to office; read the full letter

Microsoft is implementing a new policy that requires employees to work from the office at least three days a week. This mandate was detailed in an internal email sent to staff by Microsoft HR chief Amy Coleman. According to the memo, the new return-to-office (RTO) policy will roll out in three phases. The first phase, starting in late February 2026, will affect Seattle-area employees who live within 50 miles of a Microsoft office.

The policy will then be extended to other US offices before being implemented internationally. Employees have until September 19 to request an exception, though the email did not provide specific details on how the exception process will work.