David Ellison's Memo to Paramount Employees on Returning to Office

As Paramount embarks on a renewed in-office approach, CEO David Ellison has extended his appreciation to employees for their presence and dedication.

Starting from the recent Monday, employees stationed in Paramount's New York and Los Angeles branches were requested to return to five days a week of on-site work. This was part of an initiative Ellison announced back in September. There's a second phase planned for others not currently assigned to an office, with further information expected to be shared later this year.

For those who were unable or unwilling to shift to this new mode of working, the company provided severance options, which roughly 600 employees decided to accept.

In a communique distributed across the company on Friday, Ellison acknowledged that returning to a traditional office schedule has required adjustments from many, and expressed his deep appreciation for the commitment and adaptability that the workforce has demonstrated. Ellison highlighted the tangible benefits of in-person work, citing a notable rise in both energy and productivity among teams.

Back in September, Ellison had communicated in another memo that face-to-face interaction plays a crucial role in nurturing and enhancing company culture while steering business success.

Within his recent message, Ellison also applauded the 'RTO Task Force' for their efforts in preparing and facilitating a smooth transition for the influx of returning workers.

Industry Trends: Return to Office

This movement is not unique to Paramount, as numerous large media organizations like Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have also encouraged their staff to resume on-site work. NBCUniversal, for instance, has called back its workforce with a requirement of four days of office presence per week, all while also offering severance options to those opting out of the return.

Ellison's full message reads as follows:

Paramount Team,

As we wrap up our initial week back together in our LA and NY workspaces, my gratitude goes to each of you for your dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit. Adjusting back to full-time office work has been a transition for many, and I am thankful for your flexibility and commitment. The benefits of collaborating face-to-face, which are already visible in energy and productivity gains, are wonderful to witness.

Special thanks to our RTO Task Force and everyone involved in ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition for us all.

Five Months of Paramount Transformation

Incredibly, it's been just five months since we initiated the new Paramount, during which we've transitioned from setting strategies to actively implementing them. This journey has seen us achieve significant advancements against our key objectives. From the outset, we've been focused on transforming Paramount for future growth by supporting great storytellers, investing in top-notch tech, and making decisive changes that pave the way for the future of entertainment. These are ongoing pursuits that we'll continue together.

We face challenges ahead, but also exciting opportunities. We've set high goals and believe strongly in our strategy, momentum, and, most importantly, our team, to achieve them. Your expertise and determination inspire confidence in our capabilities. I'm deeply thankful for your hard work and proud to be part of this team.

Thanks once more for making our first week back together a success.

Best, David