Paramount Global has announced a sweeping return-to-office mandate, requiring employees to resume five-day in-person workweeks starting January 5, 2026.
The directive comes from newly appointed CEO David Ellison, who took the helm following Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance Media earlier this year.
In an internal memo circulated to staff, David emphasized the need for “meaningful changes” to unlock the company’s full potential.
He described the move as essential to building a “stronger, more connected, and agile organization” capable of competing at the highest level.
A Phased Rollout Across Locations
The policy will first apply to employees based in New York and Los Angeles, including those working at Paramount Pictures, CBS, Paramount+, Showtime, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and Comedy Central.
Staff at the Times Square headquarters and the historic Melrose Avenue lot will be among the first to transition back to full-time office schedules.
A second phase will extend the mandate to other domestic and international offices later in 2026.
Employees outside the initial rollout zones will be offered similar buyout options if they choose not to comply.
Severance Packages Offered to Non-Compliant Staff at Paramount
David’s memo made it clear that the return-to-office policy is non-negotiable.
Employees unwilling to make the transition have until September 15, 2025, to opt for severance packages.
This firm stance signals a broader cultural reset at Paramount, moving away from the hybrid and remote models adopted during the pandemic.
The company has already begun implementing cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and asset sales, as part of its post-merger restructuring.
Industry reports suggest that Paramount may eliminate between 2,000 and 3,000 positions in the coming months.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
