Xbox implements a four-day in-office work policy.

Microsoft has ramped up its office attendance requirements for Xbox employees, moving from three days to four days a week. An internal memo highlights this shift as a way to foster collaboration among team members following feedback from staff.

“Starting February 1st, 2027, Xbox employees in the Puget Sound area who live within 50 commuting miles of Studio D will be required to work from the office at least four days a week,” states Jacinda Chislum Pearson, Xbox’s chief people officer. “With thousands of Xbox employees nearby, leveraging that proximity allows for easier work reviews, quicker issue resolution, and more efficient decision-making without the hassle of scheduling additional meetings.”

This new requirement will specifically affect those near Microsoft’s corporate campus in Redmond, Washington, while existing in-office practices for Xbox studios are expected to remain the same.

There are exemptions to the return-to-office policy for certain roles, and Xbox employees with current exemptions will need to reapply. This announcement comes on the heels of reports indicating that Microsoft may announce additional layoffs within Xbox this month, following previous cuts in November and January. In July, Microsoft revealed plans to reduce around 20 percent of Xbox jobs by the end of its financial year in June 2027.

The updated return-to-office policy is framed as a worthwhile investment for those commuting from 40-50 miles away. “Leaders should be present, and coming into the office shouldn’t just mean spending the day on Teams calls from a different location,” Pearson emphasizes. “Time well spent involves reviewing work, solving problems, and playing games together, which strengthens our journey toward becoming one unified Xbox.”