WPP, the world’s largest advertising agency network, has sparked controversy among its 111,000 global employees following the announcement of a new four-day office attendance policy. Effective April 2025, the mandate aims to foster collaboration, creativity, and engagement but has drawn widespread criticism from employees who feel blindsided and alienated, as reported by Sky News.
The policy, announced via a memo titled Winning Together by CEO Mark Read, emphasized that in-person interactions remain crucial for the company’s success. According to The Drum, Read cited internal data linking office presence to improved client satisfaction, employee engagement, and financial performance, arguing that the new rule aims to establish a consistent approach across WPP’s diverse agencies. Previously, agencies had the flexibility to design their own hybrid work models, a system widely appreciated by employees.
Employee reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly negative. Many argue that the decision disregards the personal and financial impacts of commuting, especially in the context of rising living costs. For some employees, the additional commuting expenses represent a substantial financial strain, while others are concerned about increased travel time eroding their quality of life. Sky News highlighted these concerns, noting that employees feel the mandate acts as an indirect pay cut due to higher transportation costs.
Parents and caregivers, particularly women and people of color, have voiced concerns about the potential disproportionate burden this policy places on them. According to The Drum, many fear the new requirements may force them to reconsider their positions within the company, exacerbating issues related to workplace diversity and inclusion.
The policy has also raised alarm among employees with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, who benefited from the flexibility offered by hybrid work models. The Drum reported that many feel the office environments are not conducive to their needs, citing overcrowding, noise, and lack of accessible accommodations as key challenges.
Operational hurdles have also emerged as a significant issue. Employees have reported that existing office infrastructures are not equipped to handle a significant increase in attendance. From limited meeting rooms to insufficient desk space and unreliable internet connectivity, these logistical challenges could undermine productivity rather than enhance it, as detailed by The Drum.
The backlash extends beyond internal employee concerns, with speculation that the mandate could negatively affect WPP’s ability to attract and retain talent in a competitive market. Critics suggest the rigid policy, coupled with its perceived lack of consultation, may harm staff morale and client relationships. Sky News highlighted that some clients have also expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on team performance and the broader employee experience.
The move places WPP among a growing group of corporations rolling back flexible work policies established during the pandemic. Companies such as Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and PwC have implemented similar mandates, arguing for the benefits of in-person work in fostering innovation and culture. However, The Drum noted that these approaches remain polarizing, with some organizations continuing to prioritize flexible arrangements.
Industry analysts cited by Sky News emphasize that beyond collaboration, the push for in-person work is tied to broader economic pressures, including declining commercial real estate values and the need to maximize office space investments.
As WPP prepares to implement the policy, it faces the dual challenge of addressing employee dissatisfaction while ensuring operational efficiency. According to The Drum, the full impact of this shift remains uncertain, with both internal dynamics and external market forces likely to shape the outcomes in the months ahead.
