Key information
Microsoft has announced a new policy requiring most Xbox employees based in the Puget Sound area to work from the office at least four days per week. This mandate, which takes effect on February 1st, 2027, applies specifically to staff living within 50 commuting miles of the company's Studio D location in Redmond, Washington.
According to an internal memo from Xbox chief people officer Jacinda Chislum Pearson, the shift aims to foster better collaboration. The company intends to reduce the need for scheduled meetings by allowing teams to review work, resolve issues, and make decisions in person. Pearson emphasized that office time should be used for collaborative tasks rather than remote video calls.
The updated policy requires employees who previously held exemptions to the company's existing three-day office rule to resubmit their requests. While the new four-day mandate applies to those near the Redmond campus, the memo suggests that established in-office practices for specific Xbox studios will remain unchanged.
These changes follow reports of planned layoffs at Microsoft. The company previously announced intentions to eliminate approximately 20 percent of Xbox positions by the conclusion of its financial year in June 2027. The return-to-office adjustment is being positioned by leadership as an investment in strengthening the organization's collective unity.
