As the pandemic fades, more agencies are returning to in-person several days a week, if not the full week. Publicis is the latest to ask its employees to return to the office, starting after Labor Day, for all U.S. marketing services employees.
A memo and email obtained by Adweek states that all employees must establish time in the office three days a week, which includes traveling for business and meeting on client sites, and there will be consequences for those who don’t comply.
“Failure to meet the 3 day/week in-office expectation post Labor Day may impact performance outcomes, including salary increases, bonus payouts and/or promotion opportunities,” said the email.
Those Publicis employees who have an existing documented remote work agreement, however, will be able to keep that arrangement, and those who live far from an office but don’t have that arrangement will be able to talk with their senior leadership to try and arrange an alternative to the three-day in-office week.
The memo states that Publicis believes “our collective commitment is needed to build a hybrid future where employees are growing, engaged, and delivering the best for our clients. Any exceptions need to be reviewed by our Talent Partners and senior leadership.” It added that Publicis firmly believes that the office is “an integral part of creating an inclusive and engaging work culture for the future, fueling creativity and innovation while fostering deep client connections, strengthening our interpersonal relationships, and enriching learning opportunities.”
Publicis will keep tabs on its employees returning to the office by a “variety of records and information,” which includes visual observations and “facilities data,” which means key card access to buildings, but the memo states that it essentially trusts its employees to adhere to the requirements.
Publicis will not offer employees who want to stay remote for less pay that option. In addition, Publicis will also no longer hire remote workers, the memo states.