Instagram Ends Work-From-Home: CEO Adam Mosseri Says 2026 Will Be a Tough Year
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has made it clear: from February 2, 2026, the company will almost completely end the work-from-home option, requiring employees to work five days a week from the office. Mosseri also warned that 2026 will be a challenging year, much like 2025.
Background: Pandemic Era WFH Coming to an End
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most companies shifted to a work-from-home model. Employees were allowed to work remotely, and office attendance dropped sharply.
As the world returned to normal, companies shifted back to hybrid work, offering a mix of office and remote days.
Now, Instagram has officially decided to end the hybrid model altogether.
Internal Memo: “Building a Winning Culture in 2026”
A leaked internal memo, reported by Alex Heath’s Sources newsletter, explains the shift.
Mosseri wrote that starting February 2, 2026, employees with assigned desks in US offices must return full-time.
He added, “2026, like 2025, is going to be difficult. I’ve planned for what lies ahead next year.”
Reason: In-Person Work Boosts Creativity
Mosseri said working together in person strengthens teamwork and speeds up creative ideas.
“We are more creative and collaborative when we are together in person. I felt this pre-COVID, and I feel it every time I visit our New York office.”
He emphasized that the strong in-person culture has always inspired him.
US Employees Must Come to Office All 5 Days
Mosseri clarified that all US employees with fixed desks must return full-time:
“Starting February 2, I’m asking everyone in my rollup based in a US office with assigned desks to come back full time.”
WFH will be allowed only in exceptional cases, not as a permanent option.
Which Instagram Offices Will Follow the New Rule?
The new policy applies to all three Instagram offices in the US:
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New York – Rule will apply once space issues are resolved.
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Menlo Park, California – Office will shift from MPK21 to MPK22 on January 26, 2026 to ensure everyone gets an assigned desk.
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Some employees may shift from Menlo Park to San Francisco to simplify their commute.
Fewer Unnecessary Meetings
Along with the return-to-office mandate, Mosseri announced a relief measure:
All recurring meetings will be canceled every six months, and only essential ones will be re-added.
This is aimed at reducing meeting overload and increasing productivity.
Other Tech Companies Taking Similar Steps
Instagram’s move is similar to Amazon’s, where employees already follow a five-day office schedule.
Companies like Alphabet (Google), Apple, and Microsoft follow a hybrid model requiring three office days per week.
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