MLB orders employees to return to office 5 days a week

Major League Baseball has ordered its employees to return to the office five days a week, according to people familiar with the matter.

The league had been on a hybrid policy since the pandemic. The change will go into effect in February, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information.

The league believes it operates best with staffers in the office working face-to-face, according to one of the people. The league will also have two flex days a month that employees can use to work from home, the person said. 

Read more: Trying to skip out on RTO mandates? You're not alone

The move makes MLB the latest U.S. employer to require workers to return to their desks more often, joining Amazon.com, AT&T and JPMorgan Chase. President Donald Trump has also ordered federal government workers back to their offices.

MLB declined to comment.

Corporate leaders pushing more stringent attendance policies often say they will strengthen collaboration and mentoring, and warn that remote workers aren't as likely to get promoted.

Read more: Data is the key to figuring out whether an RTO strategy will be effective

The logistics around requiring more time in the office can be difficult. Amazon's policy shift has been delayed over a lack of space in some locations. Tighter RTO policies can also hurt a firm's recruiting and retention, according to recent research.

The NFL has had its employees back in the office since Sept. 2021, whereas the NBA has a hybrid work policy that allows working from home one day a week.