Microsoft Return-to-Office Mandate: 3 Days a Week in February 2026

Is Microsoft Increasing In-Office Work?

Yes — Microsoft will require certain employees to work from their respective offices at least 3 days a week, starting in February 2026.

“We’ve looked at how our teams work best, and the data is clear: when people work together in person more often, they thrive — they are more energized, empowered, and they deliver stronger results,” HR chief Amy Coleman said in a memo to staff obtained by Business Insider.

“As we build the AI products that will define this era, we need the kind of energy and momentum that comes from smart people working side by side, solving challenging problems together.”

The tech giant is giving workers until Sept. 19 to request a return-to-office (RTO) exemption. However, Coleman didn’t clarify how such exceptions would work.

• SEE ALSO: “Arbitrary Decisions”: Employers Criticized for Increasing In-Office Work

RTO Rights for Microsoft Staff

Microsoft can’t require non-unionized employees to return to the office if they’ve been working remotely for an extended period of time and that arrangement has become permanent. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC).

Depending on your situation, you might have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim.

If in-person work wasn’t part of your original role — or if a remote arrangement has been in place for years — a requirement to return to the office could legally allow you to resign and pursue full severance pay (up to 24 months’ compensation).

Other Potential RTO Protections:

• You need accommodation for a disability or medical issue — supported by a doctor’s note
• You’re refusing based on a protected human right (i.e care-giving responsibilities, health and safety concerns, etc.)

📺 WATCH: RTO Mandates in Canada

RTO Mandate Applies to You? Next Steps

• ✅ Don’t quit. Leaving your job after being asked to resume in-office work could cost you the severance you’re legally entitled to.
• ✅ Review your employment contract. Agreements in Canada often specify work location, severance terms, and more.
• ✅ Get legal advice. Before you accept a change or push back, talk to an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

We Know Your RTO Rights

Returning to the office isn’t automatic — even for non-unionized employees at Microsoft.

If the tech giant is asking you to increase in-office work, but you’ve been working remotely long-term or were hired as a remote worker, you may not be legally required to go back.

📞 Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

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Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.