Hybrid Disney employees must return to the office four days a week starting March 1, according to a new memo from CEO Bob Iger.
In a memo to employees Monday, Iger underscored his belief in the benefit of working together in person. This is one of many significant workplace changes Iger is expected to make since returning to lead the company in November.
“I also wanted to let you know that in my meetings with teams across the company over the past few months, I have been reminded of the enormous value of being with the people you work with. As you’ve heard me say time and time again, 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 peers that comes from being physically together, nor the opportunity to grow professionally by learning from leaders and mentors. “, reads the memo.
Employees will be asked to return to work in offices Monday through Thursday, according to the memo.
Analysts and insiders have been waiting Iger to make sweeping changes in an effort to reshape the company’s streaming strategy and prioritize decision-making by creatives. One of his first big moves started reorganize the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution division and to part ways with its chief, Kareem Daniel, who was a top aide to former CEO Bob Chapek.
“Certainly, this is a moment of tremendous change — for our company, for our industry, and for the global economy — but despite the challenges, I remain fundamentally optimistic,” Iger wrote in the memo.
Iger also praised the box office performance of Avatar: The Way of Water and other areas of the business, while speaking about ESPN’s handling of Damar Hamlin’s injury on air and “showing grace under pressure, and presenting the facts to viewers with complete respect and sensitivity.”
Iger’s full memo is below.
Dear fellow employees,
Happy new year! I hope you all found time to rest and rejuvenate over the holidays. Since returning to Disney, I’ve been busy catching up on the many exciting projects underway across all of our businesses, and I’ve been inspired by your boundless creativity and the remarkable success of so many of your recent endeavors.
I thought I’d mention a few:
For the seventh consecutive year, waltz disney Studios was the number one box office studio, and last week Avatar: The Way of Water became the 7th highest-grossing film of all time, and its success is only growing. The Lion King celebrated its 25th anniversary on Broadway in November – one of three productions in history to achieve this incredible milestone. Disney General Entertainment shows received an unprecedented number of mentions on year-end “Best of” lists, including seven of the 15 most critically acclaimed television shows of the year. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Ended the Year Strong as Guests Celebrated Vacation Traditions and Ring in the New Year at Disney Destinations Around the World, and Walt Disney Imagineering Marked 70 Years of Innovation and Storytelling revolutionaries. And I would be remiss if I did not mention how the ESPN team expertly handled Damar Hamlin’s tragic injury, showing grace under pressure and presenting the facts to viewers with absolute respect and sensitivity. Accomplishments like these remind me how special our company is.
I also wanted to let you know that in my meetings with teams across the company over the past few months, I have been reminded of the enormous value of being with the people you work with. As you’ve heard me say time and time again, 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 peers that comes from being physically together, nor the opportunity to grow professionally by learning from leaders and mentors. . I am convinced that working together more in person will benefit the creativity, the company culture and the careers of our employees.
Starting March 1, employees currently working in a hybrid fashion will be asked to spend four days a week onsite, targeting Monday through Thursday as in-person work days. Stay tuned for more details.
As we begin a new year, Disney’s historic 100th anniversary, and all the opportunities that lie ahead, we have plenty to be excited about the future. Certainly, this is a moment of enormous change – for our company, for our industry and for the global economy – but despite the challenges, I remain fundamentally optimistic.
Thanks. It is an honor to be able to work alongside you.
better,
Bob
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