AT&T CEO John Stankey Enforces Five-Day In-Office Mandate, Threatens Exit for Disgruntled Employees

AT&T CEO John Stankey has sent a memo to employees, stating that those who are unwilling to adapt to the company's new five-day in-office workweek, implemented earlier this year, will be at risk of losing their jobs. Stankey acknowledged the growing discomfort among employees, citing a decline in overall engagement levels, but emphasized that the policy is non-negotiable. The company's attempt to shift its culture from a hierarchy-based structure to a market-driven, performance-oriented workplace has been underway for months, with changes to compensation, benefits, and job expectations.

Key Takeaways:

• The memo was sent to all managers on Friday, addressing the growing discomfort among employees following AT&T's decision to enforce a five-day in-office mandate.
• The company's employee engagement survey saw 79% of 99,000 respondents reporting they felt committed to their work, but noted a decline in overall engagement levels.
• AT&T has been attempting a major cultural shift, shifting away from a hierarchy-based, tenure-rewarding structure to a market-driven, performance-oriented workplace.
• Changes to compensation, benefits, and job expectations have been made as part of the cultural shift.
• Employees who are unwilling to adapt to the new work schedule will be at risk of losing their jobs, according to Stankey.

Statistics:

• 79% of 99,000 employees reported feeling committed to their work in the recent employee engagement survey.
• The company has a workforce of 99,000 employees.
• AT&T has been attempting a cultural shift for several months, with the goal of creating a market-driven, performance-oriented workplace.

Sources:

• Business Insider
• Hindustan Times