The Drum reposted this
WPP staff told to work from office pantries and couches as RTO deadline looms When I first reported on WPP’s RTO announcement in January, many managers within its agencies told me they felt ‘blindsided’, learning of the policy just hours before it became public. In a memo to staff at the time, CEO Mark Read stated that WPP was a ‘people business’ and that the campuses offer “superb working environments” but that it will take “detailed planning” in the months leading up to April to address "capacity requirements". Read also stated that the move was “key to our future growth and success,” but employees have told The Drum that they are still struggling with unanswered questions, unclear logistics, and workspace concerns, which aren’t conducive to business growth. Fast forward to March, I’ve spoken with senior staffers from within the WPP network, who wish to remain anonymous, to find out how tomorrow’s return-to-office mandate is playing out. Sources have shared floor plans for VML Atlanta and New York, CEO emails and a recording of a recent companywide Town Hall meeting, which paint an disorganized picture of the holding company. Take VML Atlanta, for example, where some employees have been told to expect “ten people to a couch” or to utilize pantry spaces to accommodate everyone. You can read more about the findings on The Drum, as well as what WPP had to say on the matter. Link in the comments. #WPP #Advertising #Marketing #RTO #VML #TheDrum