Move Near Office Or Leave: IBM Issues Final Warning To Managers Working Remotely

International Business Machines (IBM) has reportedly issued a companywide ultimatum to managers currently working remotely to either relocate near an office or leave the company. All US managers must immediately report to an office or client location at least three days a week “regardless of current work location status,” according to a memo sent on January 16, reported Bloomberg.

Badge-in data will be used to “assess individual presence” and shared with managers. The employees were informed through the note, as per the report.

Employees working remotely, excluding those with exceptions like medical issues or military service, who reside too far from a facility to commute must relocate near an IBM office by the beginning of August, as per the memo. Typically, this implies within 50 miles (80 kilometres), according to the report.

Managers who don’t agree to relocate and are unable to secure a role that’s approved to be able to work remotely have been asked to “separate from IBM” in the memo.

“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 told Bloomberg. “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.”

Arvind Krishna, the Chief Executive officer, has consistently emphasised the significance of in-person work. In a May 2023 interview with Bloomberg, Krishna mentioned that promotions would be rarer for those not present on-site. Specific teams within IBM had already implemented mandatory office attendance. In a November memo, employees in the infrastructure business unit were instructed to be present at company locations at least three days a week, with "managers and executives expected to be in more."

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