Dell recently implemented a companywide five-day workweek mandate, requiring employees to spend eight hours in the office each day. However, its enforcement has been inconsistent, with different managers interpreting the rules and causing “in-office politics” among employees.
Since March, some 10 Dell employees across the US have shared their experiences of having to adapt to the new policy. They reported that the degree of enforcement depends on the role and manager, with some being required to spend full days in the office while others were allowed flexibility.
The differing treatment has fueled gossip about who is following the rules and who isn’t, creating a “busy-body type environment” where colleagues fight amongst themselves over work hours. A program manager described the situation as “haphazard,” stating that it felt like leaders were not providing clear guidance.
Dell’s expectations for employees have remained unchanged, with spokespersons stating that they are expected to work regular working days in the office but have flexibility as needed. However, an internal FAQ obtained by Business Insider revealed examples of when employees may be permitted to work from home, which some employees claim they were not following.
The company’s senior leadership has emphasized the benefits of having staff in the office, including “in-person connections” and “learning from each other.” But for many employees, the new policy has felt like a return to an old way of working. Some have taken it upon themselves to come into the office only for meetings or have been intentionally coming less frequently.
The inconsistent enforcement of the mandate has caused confusion among employees, with some unaware that a full day was required when asked if they were in the office eight hours each day. A recent email from a senior executive provided further guidance on maintaining a consistent presence in the office, but its clarity has not alleviated the uncertainty surrounding the policy.
As Dell continues to navigate its return-to-office push, employees are left wondering about the consistency of their managers’ expectations and the impact it will have on work-life balance.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/dell-return-to-office-employees-full-working-day-2025-6