3M is calling employees back to the office after adhering to a fully remote-friendly policy far longer than many other companies.
Starting next month, senior managers will be required to work on-site at 3M headquarters in Maplewood on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, while other employees are encouraged but not necessarily required to come to the office for these “collaboration days.”
“We have heard from employees with strong points of view in support of remote work, as well as others who miss the innovation, creativity and working relationships that we believe happen best in-person,” CEO Bill Brown wrote in a note to employees on Monday. “To get the best of both, we are evolving our Work Your Way policy in a way that brings people together more often, maintains our focus on results and continues to empower our people with flexibility.”
The change first affects HQ employees who live within a commutable distance from the office and will be phased out globally over time, Brown wrote.
While thousands of 3M’s manufacturing employees and researchers worked in plants and labs throughout the pandemic and beyond, office roles have been dispersed under the company’s “Work Your Way” policy.
Brown has been adamant about 3M launching more new products and driving growth through innovation since he became CEO in May. He wrote in his note the workplace change is about “creating environments and opportunities for teams to connect and problem solve” to “reinvigorate 3M’s innovation and growth and improve operational performance.”
Brown said leaders will be encouraged to set team meetings or one-on-ones for the collaboration days but “continue to trust you to get your work done and recognize the importance of flexibility.”
