Zarah ChoudharyGlobal advertising firm WPP has introduced an attendance policy requiring employees to work from the office at least four days per week on average, beginning in April 2025.
The policy also mandates attendance on at least two Fridays each month, marking a significant shift in the company’s hybrid work strategy.
In a message to employees, CEO Mark Read explained that the decision is rooted in the belief that in-person collaboration is vital for the company’s success.
He wrote: “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.”
Read cited internal data showing a link between higher office attendance and stronger employee engagement, better client satisfaction, and improved financial performance.
The decision also aligned with client expectations, as many are moving toward greater in-person collaboration with agency teams.
While the policy emphasises in-office work, WPP said it aims to maintain flexibility for employees.
Staff will still have one flexible workday per week, with specific arrangements to be worked out with managers.
Read assured employees that individual circumstances, such as caregiving responsibilities or health concerns, would be accommodated through a formal approval process.
Additionally, fully or largely remote roles will remain unchanged.
The company set a lead time until April to allow employees to adjust and to ensure WPP’s office spaces are prepared for the increased presence.
“This doesn’t mean we’re going back to old ways of doing things,” Read noted, stressing that the spirit of flexibility and trust cultivated during the pandemic would remain.
The new policy underscores WPP’s focus on fostering a collaborative culture, which Read described as essential to its growth.
By encouraging more time in the office, the company aims to strengthen creativity, teamwork, and client relationships, which it sees as the foundation of its success in an evolving industry.
