Microsoft
EXECUTIVE MEMORANDUM
Global Human Resources & Workplace Strategy
TO:
All Employees, Engineering Leads, and People Managers Globally
FROM:
Kathleen Hogan, Chief People Officer & Executive Leadership
DATE:
September 16, 2026
SUBJECT:
Microsoft Workplace Policy Memo
1. PURPOSE AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At Microsoft, our hybrid work framework balances flexibility with the powerful benefits of in-
person connection, co-innovation, and cultural alignment. As our engineering and cloud
ecosystems continue to scale, maintaining structured hybrid cadences is vital to supporting our
mission.
This memorandum updates our hybrid workplace guidelines, clarifying expectations regarding
office presence, team alignment, and agile collaboration standards.
2. HYBRID WORK STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS
Microsoft supports a flexible hybrid work model while establishing baseline expectations for
campus presence:
Hybrid Standard:
Employees whose roles permit hybrid arrangements are expected to spend
approximately 50% of their working time in approved Microsoft facilities or client sites.
Team Synchronization:
Managers and teams should align on specific anchor days to
maximize collective brainstorming, architectural reviews, and cross-group planning.
Flexible Adjustments:
Approved remote agreements and flexible schedules remain available
through manager consultation and HR review.
Core Policy Note:
In-person collaboration enhances mentorship, accelerates team cohesion, and
remains an integral part of Microsoft’s collaborative culture.
3. WORKPLACE COLLABORATION PROTOCOLS
To ensure seamless cross-functional execution across global engineering centers, teams must
adhere to established communication and scheduling guidelines:
Core Collaboration Hours:
Maintain synchronized availability windows to accommodate
distributed teammates across time zones.
Workspace Utilization:
Utilize internal space-booking tools (such as GoSpace) to reserve
workstations and collaborative team areas ahead of office visits.
Microsoft Confidential — Internal Use Only
Page 1 of 2
