Intel Shifts to 4-Day In-Office Work Week

Intel announced a new policy requiring employees to work from the office four days a week, beginning September 1, 2025. This change marks a shift from the company's current hybrid work model, which allowed for two days of remote work per week.

CEO Emphasizes In-Person Collaboration

CEO Lip-Bu Tan explained the rationale during Intel's Q1 2025 earnings call. He stated that adherence to the existing hybrid policy has been inconsistent. He believes a more consistent in-office presence will create a more vibrant and collaborative environment.

“I strongly believe that our sites need to be vibrant hubs of collaboration that reflect our culture in action. When we spend time together in person, it fosters more engaging and productive discussion and debate. It drives better and faster decision-making. And it strengthens our connection with colleagues.”

Implementation and Site-Specific Details

Local leadership will provide further details specific to each site and will gather employee feedback to optimize the on-site experience. The new policy comes as Intel reportedly plans significant workforce reductions.

Following a Tech Industry Trend

Intel joins other major tech companies implementing stricter return-to-office policies. Amazon and Salesforce have already mandated increased in-office presence. While the impact of these policies on productivity remains debated, some studies suggest they may negatively affect employee satisfaction.

  • Amazon requires five days a week in the office.
  • Salesforce implemented a four-day-per-week policy.
  • Apple moved to a hybrid setup in 2022.

The long-term effects of Intel's new policy on both productivity and employee morale remain to be seen.