10-16-2025
Google established a “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) policy during the Covid pandemic. This policy allowed Google employees to work from a remote location for up to four weeks during a calendar year. The company is modifying that policy. Now, whether an employee logs 1 WFA day or 5 WFA days in a given standard work week, 1 full WFA week will be deducted from their WFA balance. The company has not, however, announced any plans to alter its current hybrid schedule that allows employees to work from home two days a week. The WFA days are distinct from the hybrid schedule because that policy allows staffers to work somewhere besides their homes. “WFA weeks cannot be used to work from home or nearby.” Employees are also not allowed to work abroad, and they must work regular business hours that align with their usual time zone. Google’s VP told employees the policy had always been intended to be taken in one-week increments, though the policy will now be enforced. Employees who fail to adhere to the policy may face disciplinary action or job termination. The policy does not apply to data center workers or employees who are required to work in the office due to the nature of their job.
Earlier this year, Google offered some U.S. employees voluntary buyouts. It notified remote workers from some units that their jobs may be considered for layoffs if they did not return to work on a hybrid schedule.
Google’s policy change tracks with other tech companies’ decisions to encourage more time in the office. Last month, Microsoft told its employees they must work in the office three days a week, starting next year. Currently, their employees can work from home at least 50% of the time. Amazon requires corporate employees to work from the office five days a week.