Archive · 16 Dec 2025
AT&T CEO Defends WFO Memo, Admits Timing Mistake
AT&T's CEO, John Stankey, recently talked about a memo he wrote that went viral.
The memo said employees should come to the office five days a week instead of working from home or in a hybrid way.
Some people wondered if this was fair to employees.
At a big meeting, Stankey said he shouldn't have waited so long to make this change.
He explained that the company needs teams to work together in person because their work is fast-paced and involves customers.
He also said that while employees can choose jobs that fit their lives, those who rely on remote work might not fit well with AT&T's new plans.
AT&T CEO John Stankey defended a viral memo requiring employees to work from office (WFO) five days a week.
Stankey admitted his biggest mistake was not prioritizing culture change sooner, treating it as one of many goals.
He explained the company's work involves fast-moving, customer-facing projects requiring in-person collaboration.
Employees who prefer remote or hybrid work may struggle to fit in with AT&T's new direction.
Stankey clarified that employees are free to choose jobs that suit their personal lives, but AT&T's plans may not align with heavy remote work preferences.
- Who
- AT&T CEO John Stankey
- What
- Defended viral memo on 5-day WFO policy, admitted timing mistake in culture change
- When
- December 16, 2025
- Where
- Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit
- Why
- To explain the company's shift to a more business-focused work culture and the need for in-person collaboration
- CEO Name
- John Stankey
- Company
- AT&T
- Memo Content
- Shift to business-focused work culture, 5-day WFO policy
- Event
- Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit
- Key Mistake
- Not prioritizing culture change sooner
- Employee Impact
- Remote/hybrid workers may struggle to fit in
- Work Nature
- Customer-facing, fast-moving projects requiring in-person collaboration