Dell mandates full-time office return for local employees starting March 3

Dell Technologies has announced the end of its hybrid work model, requiring employees who live within an hour of a Dell office to return to the office five days a week starting March 3. CEO Michael Dell emphasized the importance of in-person interactions for fostering innovation, stating that quick conversations can replace lengthy email exchanges. Remote workers living farther away will be allowed to maintain their schedules, but they will need approval from senior leadership to be eligible for promotions. This shift follows earlier mandates that required employees to work in the office at least three days a week and reflects a broader trend among companies like Amazon and JPMorgan in reversing pandemic-era flexibility. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from employees, with some concerned about daily commutes and the potential for forced resignations. Overall, this move is seen as part of Dell's strategy to enhance collaboration and market leadership amid significant restructuring and layoffs within the company.