Paramount Skydance doesn’t want to keep all of its workers — but for those who are going to stay with the media giant, it wants them to stay very close.
The company told employees Thursday that it would all staffers would be expected to work in the office five days a week starting January 5, 2026. Those who do not wish to make such a transition may seek a buyout starting September 15, employees were told. Variety has reviewed a memo that was sent and confirmed with a person familiar with the matter that they were sent, along with individual notes from unit heads to different parts of the company.
“I believe that in-person collaboration is absolutely vital to building and strengthening our culture and driving the success of our business. Our people are the key to winning, and being together helps us innovate, solve problems, share ideas, create, challenge one another, and build the relationships that will make this company great,” said David Ellison, the new CEO of the company. “As I said during our town hall, some of the most formative moments of my life happened in rooms where I was a fly on the wall, listening and learning. I’ve never seen that happen on Zoom. Being together in-person isn’t just about showing up – it’s about actively engaging with the business, supporting one another and the team’s efforts, and contributing to our shared momentum.”
The notice was issued at a time when many of the company’s employees are uncertain about their future. New senior executives who assumed control of the company after it was sold by the Redstone family, its former controlling shareholders, have articulated a plan to take $2 billion in costs out of the conglomerate, which has suffered from a downturn in advertising as well as pressures on the traditional business of distribution of cable networks.
“We recognize this represents as significant change for many, and we’re committed to supporting you throughout this transition,” the company said in the memo.
Some staffers may escape the new regulations. Staffers assigned to production tasks who oversee telecasts from out-of-office venues may not be expected to be at a regular headquarters each day, according to the person familiar with the situation.
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