Uber enforces stricter in-office policy and alters employee benefits amid discontent

In April 2025, Uber Technologies, Inc., based in the United States, informed its employees of significant changes to its workplace policies. The company required employees to come into the office three days a week, a shift from the previous two-day requirement. This adjustment was set to take effect in June. Alongside this change, the eligibility criteria for the month-long paid sabbatical benefit were also modified, increasing the tenure requirement from five years to eight years with the company. The CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, expressed awareness that these changes would likely be unpopular, stating that it was a risk the company decided to take. Employees who had previously been approved for remote work were also directed to return to the office, causing dissatisfaction and concern among staff members. During an all-hands meeting on April 29, Khosrowshahi addressed the employees, acknowledging that many had flooded the company's internal forums with questions regarding the changes, revealing a strong employee pushback. Comments from the staff highlighted feelings of burnout and apprehension, particularly among those who had already made plans around the upcoming sabbatical, citing that the changes were sudden and unexpected. One employee noted their trip preparations for a sabbatical, expressing frustration over the timing of the announcement. The leadership emphasized the need for employees to be present in the office to enhance collaboration and drive company impact, asserting that Uber functions as a "Gen-AI powered company" that needs to operate at its full capacity. However, responses from employees were largely negative, as many were concerned about insufficient resources for the increased number of in-office workers, such as meeting rooms and workspace availability. Despite Khosrowshahi's assertion that these changes were not meant to encourage voluntary departures, many employees speculated that the policy adjustments could lead to resignations. Khosrowshahi stressed that it’s crucial to maintain transparency between the company and its workers during challenging times, reiterating that Uber's business remains strong overall despite the backlash on the new policy. The situation reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are pulling back on perks and compensations as they adjust to an evolving work landscape post-pandemic. As Uber pushes forward with its plans, employees remain torn between the nostalgic appeal of in-person collaboration and the tension created by stripped-down benefits packages and mandatory office attendance, further complicating the relationship between the company’s leadership and its workforce.