The shift back to in-office work has sparked a growing wave of frustration at Uber, highlighting a broader trend in the tech sector as companies roll back flexible work policies established during the pandemic. Uber's announcement on April 28 that employees must work from the office three days a week starting in June has drawn sharp criticism from its workforce, some of whom had previously been granted remote work flexibility.
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi defended the move, emphasizing the importance of engagement and learning in the office environment. He argued that the changes were necessary for the company’s long-term growth and claimed they were not aimed at driving attrition. However, employees expressed dissatisfaction with the revised policy, particularly the lack of space in the office on mandatory "anchor days" and the tightening of sabbatical eligibility. Some workers had even planned personal travel around the original sabbatical policy, now in jeopardy due to the rule change.
The backlash has led to some heated exchanges during company-wide meetings, with employees voicing concerns about the company’s changing culture. Uber's leadership responded sternly, with Chief People Officer Nikki Krishnamurthy condemning certain remarks made during the meetings and vowing to address the behavior. Despite these tensions, Khosrowshahi remained resolute, stating that the company had to make difficult decisions for the sake of progress and impact.
This move is part of a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where companies like Google have also moved to end flexible work arrangements and bring employees back to the office. The reversal has sparked a larger debate about work-life balance, employee well-being, and the role of corporate leadership in balancing innovation with the demands of the workforce. While Uber’s CEO insists that the changes are in the best interest of customers and shareholders, the friction within the company suggests that the road ahead may be rocky.
