Roblox Tells Employees To Return To Office Or Take Severance

Joining the likes of Meta and Amazon

Roblox is the latest company to implement a return-to-office policy, joining the likes of Meta and Amazon. Founder and CEO David Baszucki shared the news with employees in an email that has since been made public. The company plans to transition away from remote work and expects a number of employees to work from its headquarters in San Mateo by next summer.

While the move has sparked controversy, with many employees expressing their reluctance to return to the office, Roblox is giving them until January 16th next year to decide if they want to stay with the company. Those who agree to the new rules must start working in-office by July 15th.

We've seen an increasing number of companies move towards a hybrid work model, with tech giants like Google and Meta opting for three office days per week. Dropbox chose a more lenient approach, and CEO Drew Houston recently announced their 90/10 rule that allows 90% remote work with 10% dedicated to on-site events.

Roblox's return-to-office mandate requires employees to work in the office for three days per week, specifically from Tuesday to Thursday. This approach aims to strike a balance between the benefits of in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work. "A three-hour Group Review in person is much less exhausting than over video and brainstorming sessions are more fluid and creative," Baszucki said.

Roblox's return-to-office mandate requires employees to work in the office for three days per week

Roblox has made it clear that employees who are not willing to return to the office must make a decision before the specified deadline. Those who choose to stay with the company but are unable to relocate will be allowed to continue working remotely until April 15th. Employees who opt for this arrangement will receive a severance package based on their level and tenure, along with six months of healthcare coverage.

To facilitate the transition back to the office, Roblox has committed to providing relocation assistance for employees who choose to work from the San Mateo headquarters. This support will help alleviate any financial burdens associated with the move, ensuring a smooth transition for those who decide to relocate.

Return-to-office mandates have been met with heavy resistance, and over 30,000 Amazon employees signed an RTO petition earlier this year, with similar scenarios playing out at Apple and Disney. Some studies point to benefits like improved mental health and less commuting, while others claim a significant decrease in productivity when working from home.

Also read: Working From Home Reduces Carbon Emissions By Over 50%