WPP enforces global return to office policy: Staff required on-site 4 days a week

WPP staffers worldwide have been told they will need to return to the office four days a week as the holding company gears up for a "year of opportunity."

In an internal memo to the company's staff, CEO Mark Read addressed the focus on the culture of WPP.

"I believe that we do our best work when we are together in person. It’s easier to learn from each other, it’s a better way to mentor colleagues starting out in the industry, and it helps us win pitches as a truly integrated team," he said.

Read said that data from across the WPP agencies indicated higher levels of office attendance were associated with stronger employee engagement, improved client survey scores and better financial performance.

"For all these reasons, spending more time together is important to all of us, and we are making a change to help that happen. From the beginning of April this year, the expectation across WPP will be that most of us spend an average of four days a week in the office."

Read noted that one of the most notable learnings from the pandemic was the flexibility in working life and being trusted to balance work and personal commitments.

He said that flexibility and trust will be maintained while approaching the transition to four days in office with "pragmatism and an understanding of people’s different circumstances."

"There will be a clear process to request additional flexibility — including for those with caring responsibilities, health issues and other considerations. Some roles that have always been fully or largely remote will continue as they are."

The new policy will come into effect from April, allowing WPP staffers to the time to make necessary arrangements and to adjust to new routines.

"There is also work to do between now and April to ensure we make the best use of our workspaces. Our WPP campuses offer superb working environments in beautifully designed buildings with leading environmental credentials."

This comes after WPP Australia moved campuses from North Sydney to Shelley Street in Barangaroo last week.

The holding company shared a glimpse of the new digs on LinkedIn, calling it a "state-of-the-art space" for WPP's 13 agencies and over 1300 employees.

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