3M requires managers to return to office 3 days a week
3M’s (NYSE:MMM) new chief executive is asking managers to return to working in the office, pulling back from his predecessor’s remote-friendly policy that was “rooted in flexibility and trust,” Bloomberg News reported Monday.
The industrial conglomerate has about 85,000 employees worldwide and will expect, but not require, those at the director level and above to come into an office Tuesday through Thursday. Those days are described as “collaboration days.”
The new rules take effect next month at the company’s Minnesota headquarters for employees who live within 50 miles of the office. The policy will expand globally over time in line with local labor laws, according to the company.
Desk-based workers at the company for the past three years were allowed to work remotely for the most part in consultation with their managers, under a policy dubbed “Work Your Way.”
Bill Brown took over as chief executive in May after a turbulent period of sluggish growth and litigation resulting from combat earplugs and forever chemicals.
He has said “reinvigorating the 3M innovation machine” is a key priority.
Amazon (AMZN) is requiring most employees back five days a week in January, while Dell Technologies (DELL) demanded the same of its salespeople.