WPP staff have started a petition in anticipation of the implementation of a new four-day return policy.
A group of “concerned WPP staff” is collecting signatures, claiming that the firm’s decisions are “a step-backwards” in an post-pandemic world.
, the CEO of the company Mark Read told more than 100,000 employees in an email earlier this week that they were expected to be at work for four days minimum starting April.
The petition, signed by more than 2,500 people so far, calls on Read and WPP to “reconsider the mandate and adopt an approach that respects and prioritizes the wellbeing and preferences” of their employees.
It said: “In an age post-Covid, where many companies have adopted flexible working styles, WPP’s decision appears to be a backward step in supporting employee well-being and work-life-balance, citing data that is either not available or misrepresented.
The petition, which emphasized that “the mental effects and social effects of such rigid work schedules on employees can be extensive”, urged employees to back its cause.
The statement read: “It is time to move forward towards a flexible, inclusive, evidence-based, and mindful future of work.”
WPP confirmed that it will implement its new global attendance policy in April 2025. This would give time for people to adjust and agencies to prepare.
According to the company, this policy includes at least two Fridays per month in order to maintain a consistent office presence. Employees will also have one flexible day of work each week.
WPP stressed that individual circumstances would be considered and any exceptions would go through an official approval process.
A spokesperson for the company said: “We think this is the best policy to promote the long-term interest of the entire company, even though it may not be popular among everyone.” We will implement this policy in a pragmatic and collaborative way with our team.
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