Ford orders white-collar workers back to office four days a week: ‘More dynamic company'

Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor is implementing a policy requiring the majority of its salaried workforce to return to the office four days a week to enhance employee and company performance [1][5]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - The new policy affects the majority of Ford's global salaried workforce and will take effect on September 1 [3]. - A Ford spokesperson indicated that many employees have already been in the office three or more days per week, suggesting a gradual shift towards more in-person collaboration [2]. Group 2: Industry Context - The move comes as businesses worldwide are navigating the balance of flexibility for workers post-2020 pandemic, with some companies like JPMorgan and Amazon mandating full-time office attendance [5]. - Ford's decision contrasts with General Motors, which faced backlash for a similar policy and subsequently retracted it before implementation [6]. Group 3: Performance Incentives - In February, Ford reduced stock bonuses for many middle managers to incentivize improved performance, reflecting a broader trend in the industry to enhance accountability among employees [7][8]. - General Motors has also adjusted its employee performance evaluation system to increase pressure on low performers, indicating a competitive environment among Detroit automakers [6][8].