An internal memo from Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced a new policy that requires U.S.-based Instagram employees to return to the office five days a week, starting February 2, 2026.
Key aspects of the mandate:
Full-Time In-Office: The policy marks a tightening of Meta’s overall stance on hybrid work. While Meta’s broader workforce (including Facebook and WhatsApp teams) is under a three-day-per-week in-office requirement, Instagram is the first major unit within Meta to mandate a full five-day return.
Rationale for the Shift: Mosseri’s memo, titled “Building a Winning Culture in 2026,” argues that teams are “more creative and collaborative when we are together in-person.” The move is aimed at boosting competitiveness, speed, and hands-on collaboration, especially as the company anticipates a challenging year ahead.
Productivity Over Bureaucracy: Alongside the return-to-office, Mosseri announced sweeping operational changes to reduce organizational friction and accelerate product development. These changes include:
Automatic Meeting Cancellation: All recurring meetings will be canceled every six months and must be reinstated only if deemed “absolutely necessary.”
Focus on Prototypes: Teams are encouraged to present working prototypes of new products rather than polished presentation decks, to “establish a proof of concept” faster.
Shorter Strategy Documents: Limiting strategy documents to a maximum of three pages.
Exceptions and Logistics: The mandate applies to employees with assigned desks in U.S. offices. Fully remote employees are not affected. Employees are still allowed to work from home “when you need to,” using their best judgment. The company is managing logistics, including relocating Menlo Park employees to a different campus building to ensure everyone has an assigned desk.
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