Concerned WPP employees have hit back at CEO Mark Read and the global directive to return to the office four days a week with a Change.org petition that has gained more than 10,000 signatures since its launch on 9 January.
The WPP staffers called the company’s mandate a “step backwards in supporting employee wellbeing and work-life balance” and called out the advertising company for “citing anecdotal data that either does not exist or has been misrepresented.”
“We call on Mark Read and the decision-making body at WPP to reconsider this mandate and adopt a policy that respects and prioritises the well-being and preferences of its employees. It’s time to move towards a future of work that’s flexible, mindful, inclusive, and evidence-based.”
The petition has also launched a short and anonymous survey asking responders about the effectiveness of returning to the office, the impact on growth and employee engagement.
Mediaweek has reached out to WPP for comment.
Mark Read defends office return policy
The launch of the Change.org petition comes after Mark Read addressed the focus on the culture of WPP in an internal memo to the company’s staff.
“I believe that we do our best work when we are together in person. It’s easier to learn from each other, it’s a better way to mentor colleagues starting out in the industry, and it helps us win pitches as a truly integrated team,” he said.
Read said that data from across the WPP agencies indicated higher levels of office attendance were associated with stronger employee engagement, improved client survey scores and better financial performance.
“For all these reasons, spending more time together is important to all of us, and we are making a change to help that happen. From the beginning of April this year, the expectation across WPP will be that most of us spend an average of four days a week in the office.”
“There will be a clear process to request additional flexibility — including for those with caring responsibilities, health issues and other considerations. Some roles that have always been fully or largely remote will continue as they are.”
The new policy will come into effect from April, allowing WPP staffers to the time to make necessary arrangements and to adjust to new routines.
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Top image: Mark Read