Sonos forces product teams back to the office amid app crisis
- Sonos requires employees on product teams near US offices to come into the office at least two days a week.
- The policy change comes after a difficult year marked by an app debacle and low employee morale.
- Despite the push for in-person work, many employees remain concerned about future layoffs and the overall direction of the company.
In December 2024, Sonos announced a new policy requiring employees of its product teams living near US office locations to work in-office for at least two days each week. This decision marks a significant shift from Sonos' previous culture, which supported fully remote and hybrid work arrangements. The motivation behind this change is the company's desire to enhance collaboration, collective problem-solving, and hands-on testing capabilities among product teams, which are believed to be more effective when conducted in person. This shift in policy comes at a time when Sonos is navigating the aftermath of an app controversy that has negatively impacted employee morale. Following this incident, the company has been evaluating its operations closely, particularly regarding how in-person collaboration might influence the productivity and work culture of its teams. Furthermore, staff members have expressed concerns about the possibility of additional layoffs following a previous reduction of 100 employees in April 2024. This context has led to a tense atmosphere where employees fear for the stability of their positions amid a strict operational overhaul. In response to these internal challenges, Sonos has also announced that it will be reducing job postings and tightening its hiring processes as part of broader cost-saving measures prompted by sluggish market demand. The company has increasingly leaned on artificial intelligence to handle customer support tasks, indicating an ongoing shift towards cost efficiency and adaptability in its workforce. Despite positive reviews for products like the new Sonos Arc Ultra, workers at the company feel uncertain about the direction in which Sonos is heading. Many employees and loyal customers alike remain skeptical that the company is effectively righting the ship following recent crises. The company's emphasis on returning to the office also aligns with broader industry trends, as several corporations have announced similar strategies to encourage team cohesion and collaboration. Overall, Sonos' current path reflects a critical juncture as it tries to balance employee concerns with operational needs for in-person engagement.