IBM's Ultimatum To WFH Managers, Relocate Near Office Or Bid Farewell: Report

Managers operating within the United States have been instructed to attend a nearby office or client location a minimum of three times per week.

In May 2023 CEO Arvind Krishna stated that individuals not working on-site can expect promotions to be less frequent.

IBM, the global IT giant, has reportedly delivered a companywide directive to remote-working managers, urging them to either relocate to a location proximate to a company office or consider departing from the organisation.

According to a report by Bloomberg, as per a memorandum released on January 16, managers operating within the United States have been instructed to attend a nearby office or client location a minimum of three times per week, irrespective of their current work location status.

Memo To Managers: Key Details

Additionally, according to senior vice-president John Granger’s communication, badge-in data will be utilised to “evaluate the individual presence,” and this information will be communicated to both managers and the human resources department. Granger also mentioned in his note that managers who decline relocation and fail to secure an approved remote role must “separate from IBM.”

“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.”

“Consistent with that approach, we’re requiring executives and people managers in the United States to be in the office at least three days per week,” a company spokesperson said.

CEO Arvind Krishna’s Heads Up

During an interview with Bloomberg last year, CEO Arvind Krishna stated that individuals not working on-site can expect promotions to be less frequent.

IBM has directed remote-working employees, excluding those in military service or facing medical issues, who are unable to commute to work from their current location, to relocate to an area nearest to a company office by the start of August. According to a source familiar with the policy, the specified distance is within 80 km of an office.

Return To Office Trend

IBM is not alone in highlighting the return to office work. In a similar vein, Tata Consultancy Services announced in September of the previous year that its employees were required to resume working from the office for all five days of the week starting October 1.

This trend reflects a broader shift in organisational preferences regarding remote and in-office work arrangements.