NBCUniversal is phasing in a mandate for employees to work at least four days a week in the office.
News of the updated policy due to take effect on January 5, 2026, was conveyed to employees by COO Adam Miller in a memo, a copy of which was obtained by Deadline.
“As we look ahead toward an exciting 2026 and reflect on the past years, it has become increasingly clear that we are better when we are together,” Miller wrote. “As we have all experienced, in-person work and collaboration spark innovation, promote creativity, and build stronger connections.”
The move follows a number of similar initiatives across the media and entertainment sector. Paramount last week made the eye-opening decision to implement a five-days-a-week mandate, following in the mold of tech giants like Amazon, which have cited productivity advantages from workers collaborating in person.
NBCU parent Comcast has already gone to a 4-day in-person work week.
Industries like finance have also moved toward a full-time in-person stance. The commercial real estate market in New York and other major cities has lagged behind national occupancy rates coming out of Covid. NBCU has a significant number of employees at its longtime base at 30 Rock in Midtown Manhattan. The Los Angeles home of NBCU at Universal City recently got some upgrades, including a new commissary, which could have also factored into the larger thinking.
Here’s Miller’s full memo:
Hi all,
I’m reaching out to share an update to our in-office schedule for hybrid employees. As we look ahead toward an exciting 2026 and reflect on the past years, it has become increasingly clear that we are better when we are together. As we have all experienced, in-person work and collaboration spark innovation, promote creativity, and build stronger connections.
To that end, effective Monday, January 5, 2026, the company will implement a 4-day in-office workweek for hybrid employees, who will now be required to be onsite from Monday through Thursday, with the continued option to work remotely or in the office on Fridays. We recognize that for some of you, being onsite on Fridays is part of your role, and for others, it’s a choice. Our offices are open daily, and we encourage everyone to take full advantage of working together in person.
Flexibility will remain an important part of our culture, and the company will continue to accommodate life events with options such as time off, adjusted hours, or additional remote days when appropriate. As always, employees should discuss these needs with their manager as they arise. We understand you may need to make adjustments to adhere to this change. We ask that you use the time between now and January to make any necessary plans. If you will not be prepared to comply with the 4-day in-office requirement by January 5, 2026, please discuss your options with your HR manager. If you are VP level or below, you may be eligible for a voluntary exit assistance package.
We have a lot to look forward to across the company as we gear up for 2026: an unprecedented “Legendary February” featuring the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Super Bowl LX and the NBA All-Star Game; the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Telemundo; the opening of our first-ever Universal Kids Resort; and NBC News’ coverage of the midterm elections. We’ll also celebrate important film releases, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey; Illumination’s Minions 3 and a new original film from Steven Spielberg, as well as new and returning series across Bravo, Peacock and NBC including The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, The Burbs and The Traitors returning to Peacock plus premiering for the first time on NBC. And of course, we will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of NBC.
It is shaping up to be quite a year, and I am looking forward to working with you all to bring it to life.Adam Miller
Chief Operating Officer, NBCUniversal
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