Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri Mandates Five-Day RTO for US Staff by 2026
Instagram’s Chief Executive, Adam Mosseri, has mandated a full return to office work for most U.S. staff, starting on February 2, 2026. This directive was outlined in an internal memo, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration to foster creativity and agility within the organization.
Five-Day Return to Office Order
According to the memo titled “Building a Winning Culture in 2026,” the return-to-office requirement applies to employees in U.S. offices with assigned desks. Mosseri stated that the change is essential for enhancing Instagram’s creative capabilities in the face of stiff competition.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mosseri believed that in-person interactions significantly boost creativity. He reiterated this sentiment, particularly after visiting the New York office, which he noted has a strong in-person culture.
Comparative Trends Among Tech Giants
Other major tech companies have adopted various approaches to office work. For instance, Amazon has instructed many corporate workers to return full-time as well. Meanwhile, Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft focus on a hybrid model, generally requiring employees to be in the office at least three days a week.
Additional Policy Changes Announced
The memo also introduced several operational changes aimed at improving workflow within the company:
- Meeting Management: All recurring meetings will be canceled every six months. They will only be reinstated if deemed essential.
- Focus on Prototypes: Employees are encouraged to use more product prototypes instead of traditional slide decks. Mosseri emphasized that prototypes are crucial for understanding social dynamics.
- Streamlined Decision-Making: A formalized process for unblocking decisions will be implemented to expedite decision-making and enhance productivity.
Mosseri expressed his optimism about the forthcoming changes, stating that 2026 will be challenging, but the company is well-positioned to advance with creativity and innovation.
Conclusion
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has not provided additional comments regarding the new policy. Employees can expect further details about these changes during the upcoming All Hands meeting.
