Paramount Skydance Orders Full-Time Office Return by January 2026
UPDATE: David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, has just announced a mandatory full-time return to the office for all employees starting January 5, 2026. This striking move requires staff to be in the office five days a week, marking a significant shift in workplace policy amidst an aggressive $2 billion cost-saving initiative.
The decision affects employees based in Los Angeles and New York, who are now bracing for potential layoffs as the company seeks to streamline operations. Ellison’s memo outlines a phased return, emphasizing that in-person collaboration is essential for the company’s success and culture.
Employees at levels of VP and below who cannot or do not wish to return full-time will have the option of a severance package, effective immediately through September 15, 2025. This policy goes beyond what many peers in the industry are implementing, with companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney adopting less stringent hybrid models.
Ellison’s return-to-office mandate comes shortly after his takeover of Paramount Global, alongside his father, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison. Ellison is positioning Paramount Skydance for a tech-driven transformation, highlighted by a recent $7.7 billion deal for UFC rights and a $1.5 billion partnership with the creators of “South Park.”
The reactions from employees vary widely. Some express concern over relocation, particularly those unable to move to New York due to personal commitments. Others, however, welcome the change, believing it could foster a stronger community and enhance creativity.
In his memo, Ellison stated, “I believe that in-person collaboration is absolutely vital to building and strengthening our culture and driving the success of our business.” He continued, “Being together in-person isn’t just about showing up — it’s about actively engaging… and contributing to our shared momentum.”
The overall workforce at Paramount stands at 18,600, and this shift reflects a broader trend in corporate America as companies roll back pandemic-era remote work policies.
As the January deadline approaches, employees should prepare for transitional changes and monitor communications for updates. The company has committed to offering support and flexibility during this significant adjustment period.
For ongoing updates and more information, employees are encouraged to visit the company’s FAQ page on Okta or contact the AskHR team with any questions.
This urgent news highlights an evolving workplace landscape, with significant implications for workers and the entertainment industry as a whole. Share this update to keep others informed about these critical changes at Paramount Skydance.
