Deloitte is rolling back parts of its flexible work arrangement in India, requiring employees to be physically present in the office at least two days
per week, starting October 1, 2025. According to an internal memo viewed by Bloomberg News, the mandate applies to the firm’s seven Indian offices that serve both client-facing and back-end support functions. This move marks a shift away from the looser pandemic-era policies that gave employees significant flexibility to work remotely. The memo also notes that office attendance will be scheduled, taking into account space constraints. Importantly, failure to comply will be tracked and reflected in performance reviews, as per the report. Performance Evaluations Tied To Office Presence The updated guidance emphasises that showing up to work is no longer optional for employees hoping to maintain a strong professional standing. The report states that employees who fail to adhere to the in-office requirement may face negative consequences during their performance evaluations. A Deloitte spokesperson, without directly addressing the mandate, said the firm’s approach to hybrid work is “not one-size-fits-all.” The spokesperson added, “Our approach is designed for clients, businesses, team leaders and professionals to co-locate when it matters most to the performance of our work and the development and well-being of our professionals.” Following Global Trends Of Return-To-Office Policies Deloitte's decision mirrors recent actions taken by other global firms. Last year, PwC in the UK instructed employees and partners to work from the office or client locations at least three days a week. In the banking sector, JPMorgan Chase implemented a five-day office schedule, while HSBC linked bonus payouts to office attendance for its UK retail staff. According to a report from The Financial Times, earlier in 2025, Deloitte’s US tax division introduced a similar rule, requiring two to three office days per week, with bonuses potentially impacted for non-compliance.
