Paramount orders full onsite return

Paramount has ordered employees to return onsite in a phased approach starting January 2026, deeming it necessary for strengthening the company's culture.

CEO David Ellison notified employees in a memo on Thursday of the company's phased return-to-office plan, which begins on January 5, 2026.

"I believe that in-person collaboration is absolutely vital to building and strengthening our culture and driving the success of our business," the CEO said in the memo, as published by The Hollywood Reporter.

"Being together in-person isn't just about showing up – it's about actively engaging with the business, supporting one another and the team's efforts, and contributing to our shared momentum."

Phased office-return policy

Under the plan, employees assigned to Paramount's Los Angeles and New York offices will be asked to return onsite full-time starting January 5.

Those who cannot or refuse to make the transition have the alternative to take severance packages, which are made available until September 15, 2025, according to Ellison.

Office-return plans for those not assigned to the Los Angeles and New York offices, those in international offices, and employees originally hired for fully remote roles will be announced in 2026.

"VPs and below in Phase Two will be eligible for a similar opt-in programme and will receive details at a later date," Ellison said.

"We will be adopting this same approach in our international offices and will roll out the specific plans in accordance with our local legal obligations."

Growing office-return mandates

Paramount adds to the growing number of employers that are ordering full office-return for employees.

Data from Cisco released earlier this year showed that 49% of employees across the world are now mandated to return onsite five days a week, much higher than the nine per cent in 2022.

At Paramount, Ellison acknowledged that the office-return mandate is a "significant change" for many employees.

"We're committed to supporting you throughout this transition," he said. "We will work closely with managers to ensure you have the time and flexibility to make the necessary adjustments."

Shift in Paramount

Ellison's office-return mandate comes just a month after he began serving as CEO of Paramount, following its merger with Skydance.

The CEO said the changes are about building a "stronger, more connected, and agile organisation" that can deliver on the company's goals.

Ellison said in August that Paramount has what it takes to "build the world's next generation media and entertainment company."

"To achieve what we've set out to do – and to truly unlock Paramount's full potential – we must make meaningful changes that position us for long-term success," the CEO said in his office-return memo.

"We have a lot to accomplish and we're moving fast. We need to all be rowing in the same direction. And especially when you're dealing with a creative business like ours, that begins with being together in person."