In a game-changing announcement, Paramount’s new leadership is making waves with a companywide mandate that will require all employees to return to the office five days a week starting January 5, 2026. This policy, more stringent than many traditional Hollywood studios, aligns with the working trends of tech giants.

Chairman and CEO David Ellison revealed the dramatic shift in a company email, emphasizing that in-person collaboration is crucial for the company’s future success. For those who resist this change, a severance package will be offered.

"To unlock Paramount’s full potential, we must adapt and accelerate towards a connected and agile organization," Ellison stated. According to him, this return to the office is part of a larger strategy to foster creativity and productivity in a highly competitive industry.

Initially, the return-to-office plan will affect employees in Los Angeles and New York, with extensions to international offices set to follow later.

Ellison noted that during his observations of the company’s current headquarters, he was taken aback by its low occupancy. The new strategy aims not only to boost attendance but also to support a culture of collaboration and innovation.

This mandate comes in the wake of significant changes within the company, including plans for substantial layoffs, projected between 2,500 to 3,000 positions, as Paramount undertakes cost-reduction measures post-merger.

In a landscape where many tech firms are adopting similar policies—Amazon, for example, also enforces a five-day workweek—Paramount's leadership is likely to face pushback from employees accustomed to hybrid work schedules.

As part of this transformative journey, Ellison articulated the vital role of personal interaction in nurturing a robust corporate culture, stating that great ideas are born from collaboration in physical spaces.

As the entertainment giant gears up for this bold change, the industry watches closely—will Paramount’s move set a new standard for corporate work culture? The stage is set for a major shift in how Hollywood operates, and all eyes are on the unfolding drama.