In a significant shift in workplace policy, media giant Paramount is preparing to implement a comprehensive return-to-office mandate that will bring employees back to physical workplaces starting January 2026. The company has announced a temporary remote work period to facilitate office preparations for the large-scale return of in-person workers.
Temporary Remote Work Period Announced
The transition plan involves a temporary remote work period running from December 1 to January 2, during which employees will work remotely while the company upgrades and prepares its offices for the full-scale return. The permanent RTO policy will take effect on January 5, 2026, marking a decisive move away from hybrid work models that became prevalent during the pandemic era.
Employees at Paramount's major offices in Times Square and Hollywood received detailed instructions about the upcoming changes through a memo dispatched by the specially formed "Paramount RTO Task Force" on Monday, November 10. The internal communication, reviewed by Business Insider, outlined specific preparation requirements for staff members.
Office Preparation and Cleanup Directive
The company has instituted a "Clean + Pack" period from November 10 to November 21 at selected office locations. During this timeframe, employees have been instructed to organize their workspaces and pack personal belongings for storage. The directive specifically applies to non-production employees working in agile workspace configurations.
According to the task force communication, individual workspace seating assignments will be communicated by mid-December. While most teams will remain in their current areas, some departments will be relocated to different floors to accommodate the new seating arrangements and ensure dedicated workspace for every employee.
The memo emphasized that the company is collaborating with senior leadership to carefully plan these transitions, taking into consideration both team requirements and broader business needs. Employees with existing dedicated offices or workstations will receive separate guidance regarding their specific situations.
Strategic Vision Behind the Move
This five-day office mandate follows CEO David Ellison's recent indications about forthcoming efficiency changes within the organization. The return-to-office initiative represents a key component of Ellison's strategic efforts to "unlock Paramount's full potential" through enhanced collaboration and operational effectiveness.
The Paramount RTO Task Force has committed to providing additional updates in the coming weeks, including detailed information about workspace relocations, team-specific guidance, and overviews of onsite services and benefit programs. The company plans to conduct information sessions and provide resources to help employees smoothly transition back to full-time office work.
Employees with questions about the new policy or uncertainties about whether the Clean + Pack directive applies to them have been directed to consult the RTO FAQ document or contact the AskHR department for clarification.
The corporate move reflects a broader industry trend of media companies reassessing remote work policies and seeking to reestablish in-person workplace cultures. Paramount's structured approach, with clear timelines and preparation periods, demonstrates the company's commitment to managing this significant transition systematically while minimizing disruption to operations.
