Hybrid employees at Disney must return to the office four days a week starting March 1, according to a new memo from CEO Bob Iger.
In a memo sent to employees Monday, Iger emphasized his belief in the benefits of working face-to-face. This is one of the major workplace changes Iger is expected to make since he returned to the company in November.
“I also want to let you know that, as I have met with teams across the Company over the past few months, I have been reminded of the great value of working with the people you work with. As you’ve heard me say many times, creativity is the heart and soul of who we are and what we do at Disney. And in a creative business like ours, nothing can replace the ability to connect, observe and create with colleagues that comes from being together physically, as well as the opportunity for professional growth. career by learning from leaders and mentors,” the memo reads.
According to the memo, employees will be required to return to work in the office Monday through Thursday.
When Iger returned to the company as CEO, analysts and insiders had expected the chief executive to make sweeping changes in an effort to reshape its streaming strategy company and also prioritize the decision-making of innovators. One of his first big moves was to begin reorganizing Disney’s Media & Entertainment Distribution and parting ways with its head, Kareem Daniel, who had been a top aide to the former CEO. CEO Bob Chapek.
“Certainly, this is a time of tremendous change — for our Company, for our industry, and for the global economy — but despite the challenges, I am, in essence, an optimist,” Iger wrote in the memo.
In the memo, Iger also praised the box office record of Avatar: The Road of Water and other areas of the company, and spoke about ESPN’s handling of Damar Hamlin’s injury on air and “showing grace under pressure, while presenting the truth to viewers with respect and sensitivity.” feel completely.”
Iger’s full memo is below:
Dear Colleagues,
Happy New Year! I hope you all have time to rest and recharge during the holiday season. Since returning to Disney, I’ve been busy with many exciting projects underway across all of our businesses, and I’ve been inspired by boundless creativity and overwhelming success. of you many of your recent efforts.
I thought I would mention a few:
For the seventh year in a row, Walt Disney Studios is at the top of the box office, and last week, Avatar: The Way of Water became the seventh highest-grossing film of all time, and its success continues. increase. The Lion King celebrated its 25th anniversary on Broadway in November — one of only three productions in history to reach this incredible milestone. Disney’s General Entertainment programs received the most number of industry-leading mentions on the “Best of” lists at the end of the year, including seven of the 15 most critically acclaimed TV shows in the year. year. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products wrapped up a successful year as guests celebrated their traditions and rang the New Year’s bells at Disney destinations around the world, and Walt Disney Co. Disney Imagineering marks 70 years of groundbreaking storytelling and innovation. And I would be remiss not to mention how the ESPN team masterfully handled Damar Hamlin’s tragic injury, displaying grace under pressure and presenting the truth to viewers with respect. full of respect and sensitivity. Achievements like these remind me of how special our Company is.
I also want to let you know that, as I have met with teams across the Company over the past few months, I have been reminded of the great value of working with the people you work with. As you’ve heard me say many times, creativity is the heart and soul of who we are and what we do at Disney. And in a creative business like ours, nothing can replace the ability to connect, observe and create with colleagues that comes from being together physically, as well as opportunities for professional growth. career by learning from leaders and mentors. I believe that working together more face-to-face will benefit the creativity, the Company’s culture, and the careers of its employees.
Starting March 1, employees currently working in a hybrid will be required to spend four days a week on-site, targeting Monday through Thursday as a direct workday. Stay tuned for more details.
As we enter a new year, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Disney’s history and all the opportunities ahead, we have plenty of reasons to be excited about the future. Certainly, this is a time of tremendous change — for our Company, for our industry, and for the global economy — but despite the challenges, I am, by nature, a positive person.
Thank you. It’s an honor to be able to work with you.
Good,
Bob
