NBCUniversal Just Gave an RTO Order. Read the Memo.

NBCUniversal is the latest major media company to call its employees back into the office.

The company told employees on Monday that starting on January 5, 2026, NBCU’s hybrid employees would be required to work in person at least four days a week. Workers would still have the option to work remotely on Fridays.

“We are better when we are together,” said Adam Miller, NBCUniversal’s chief operating officer, in a memo viewed by Business Insider. “As we have all experienced, in-person work and collaboration spark innovation, promote creativity, and build stronger connections.”

Employees who aren’t willing to comply can discuss a “voluntary exit assistance package” with their HR manager, the memo said.

NBCU’s RTO push puts it in line with its parent company, Comcast, which had workers come back into the office four days a week in September 2023.

NBCU isn’t alone in putting out a new return-to-office order.

Paramount Skydance issued an RTO mandate last week. David Ellison, Paramount’s new CEO, told his workforce they’d have to report to company offices in New York or Los Angeles five days a week starting January 5. Paramount is offering severance to those who refuse to comply.

Beyond the media industry, companies across corporate America, including JPMorgan, Starbucks, and Amazon, have issued in-office requirements.

One NBCU employee told Business Insider they felt in-person work had several benefits, like improved efficiency and product flow. However, they also wondered whether there would be enough meeting room space if hybrid workers returned in droves.

Here’s Miller’s full memo:

Hi all,

I’m reaching out to share an update to our in-office schedule for hybrid employees.

As we look ahead toward an exciting 2026 and reflect on the past years, it has become increasingly clear that we are better when we are together. As we have all experienced, in-person work and collaboration spark innovation, promote creativity, and build stronger connections.

To that end, effective Monday, January 5, 2026, the company will implement a 4-day in-office workweek for hybrid employees, who will now be required to be onsite from Monday through Thursday, with the continued option to work remotely or in the office on Fridays. We recognize that for some of you, being onsite on Fridays is part of your role, and for others, it’s a choice. Our offices are open daily, and we encourage everyone to take full advantage of working together in person.

Flexibility will remain an important part of our culture, and the company will continue to accommodate life events with options such as time off, adjusted hours, or additional remote days when appropriate. As always, employees should discuss these needs with their manager as they arise.

We understand you may need to make adjustments to adhere to this change. We ask that you use the time between now and January to make any necessary plans. If you will not be prepared to comply with the 4-day in-office requirement by January 5, 2026, please discuss your options with your HR manager. If you are VP level or below, you may be eligible for a voluntary exit assistance package.

We have a lot to look forward to across the company as we gear up for 2026: an unprecedented “Legendary February” featuring the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Super Bowl LX and the NBA All-Star Game; the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Telemundo; the opening of our first-ever Universal Kids Resort; and NBC News’ coverage of the midterm elections. We’ll also celebrate important film releases, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey; Illumination’s Minions 3 and a new original film from Steven Spielberg, as well as new and returning series across Bravo, Peacock and NBC including The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, The Burbs and The Traitors returning to Peacock plus premiering for the first time on NBC. And of course, we will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of NBC.

It is shaping up to be quite a year, and I am looking forward to working with you all to bring it to life.

Adam Miller

Chief Operating Officer, NBCUniversal