Here’s the translation into American English:
The tech company ends its hybrid model, sparking opposition from its employees.
The multinational technology company Dell has announced the complete elimination of remote work for most of its employees starting March 3rd, joining the trend of other large companies in the sector that have reversed their flexible work policies. This decision was communicated to employees by Michael Dell, the company’s CEO, via an email in which he justifies the change by stating that in-person interaction enhances efficiency and allows for quicker problem-solving.
This decision marks a radical shift in the company’s strategy, which until recently defended remote work as a valid model for productivity and work-life balance. However, since 2024, Dell has been diminishing work flexibility, first requiring certain departments to work in the office three days a week and, ultimately, imposing full in-person attendance for nearly all staff members.
Dell’s new rules for in-person work
According to the new policy, all employees living near a Dell office must work in person five days a week. The only exception will be for those living more than an hour away by car from a company office, who will be allowed to continue working remotely.
Additionally, mid-level managers have been called to return to the office full-time immediately to set an example for the rest of the team. Nevertheless, Dell asserts that it will continue to allow some flexibility in working hours, giving employees the opportunity to agree with their supervisors on the distribution of their workday.
The tech sector closes the door on remote work
Dell’s move is not an isolated case. Major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Google have implemented similar measures in recent months to end remote work and reinforce in-person presence in their offices. The justification is usually the same: to improve company culture, facilitate collaboration, and increase productivity.
However, data does not show a direct relationship between returning to the office and improved financial performance. In fact, many companies that have eliminated remote work have seen an increase in talent loss, with more qualified employees choosing companies that do allow hybrid or remote models.
In Dell’s case, this decision does not appear to be motivated by an economic crisis. Shares of the company rose by 84% in 2024, driven by growth in server sales for Artificial Intelligence. The company’s strategy seems to be more about organizational control and reinforcing its hierarchical structure than about any financial necessity.
Employee resistance and possible consequences
Employee pushback against this measure has been significant from the beginning. In June 2024, half of Dell’s workforce in the U.S. refused to return to the office full-time, resistance that could now be mirrored on a global scale.
Moreover, many companies that have enforced a forced return to the office have found that this led to the departure of key employees, making it difficult to recruit new qualified talent afterward. If Dell continues down this path, it could face a talent retention problem in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the tech sector continues to grapple with the balance between flexibility and control, with remote work being one of the main demands of workers in the post-pandemic era.
Source: MCPRO