David Ellison Demands Full-Time Office Return at Paramount Skydance

In a decisive action as the leader of Paramount Skydance, David Ellison is pushing for all staff to resume a five-day in-office schedule.

This strategy aligns with impending workforce reductions as the company aims to cut $2 billion in expenses.

Ellison outlined that the shift back to office work would initiate in January for those stationed in Los Angeles and New York. From this month onward, severance packages will be available to those unable or unwilling to work full-time in the office, applicable primarily to positions up to the VP level, with some exceptions.

Ellison expressed in a memo, as reported by Business Insider, his conviction that face-to-face collaboration is crucial for nurturing company culture and business success.

Reactions among employees vary. One staff member shared with Business Insider their need to depart the company due to an inability to relocate to New York for familial obligations. Conversely, a single employee with no children felt indifferent about the change.

"We know that some colleagues who live outside of New York City or Los Angeles, as well as international contractors, are anxious, but the handling of these cases remains to be clarified," added another employee.

Ellison, alongside Oracle magnate and his father Larry Ellison, has recently gained control over Paramount Global from Shari Redstone.

David Ellison expressed intentions to rejuvenate the renowned entertainment brand through technological innovation and other strategic shifts. He has moved swiftly, securing a $7.7 billion deal for the rights to the UFC.

While many U.S. corporations are pulling back pandemic-inspired remote working policies, Paramount Skydance's approach is notably more stringent than several peers in the media and entertainment sector. Warner Bros. Discovery seeks a three-day office return, and Disney requires a four-day presence for many employees.

Ellison's Complete Memo

Dear Team, I'm convinced that working in person is critical for fostering our culture and advancing our business. Our team's success springs from collaboration, allowing innovation, problem-solving, and the exchange of ideas. It's about more than simply being present—it's about being actively engaged and contributing to our shared goals and momentum.

For Paramount to reach its full capabilities, meaningful changes are necessary, positioning us for enduring success. Our objectives are ambitious and require a united front focused on a creative enterprise that thrives on in-person synergy. Consequently, we'll start a gradual return-to-office policy in January 2026, aiming for a full-time office presence (five days weekly).

Implementation Phases

Phase One: As of January 5, 2026, staff at our LA and NY locations will resume full-time office work. We understand this shift may not be feasible for everyone, so we'll offer a severance option from now until September 15, 2025, for individuals up to the VP level in these locations. Details will be provided to those qualified.

Phase Two: By mid-2026, plans for staff in other locations, including international offices and those hired for remote roles, will be unveiled. Similar severance options will apply, and details will be disclosed later. Our international strategies will comply with local regulations.

Acknowledging the considerable adjustment this change entails, we pledge to support you throughout the process. Managers will collaborate closely with teams to provide the necessary time and flexibility for adaptation.

Further details can be accessed via Okta on our FAQ page. For questions not addressed, please reach out to AskHR.

Thank you for your patience and ongoing commitment. By working together, we are building a robust, creative, and winning company. I'm confident in our potential to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Best, David

**Note: Some union and non-union employees in specific roles may not be eligible for the severance option, and different office return expectations may apply, which will be communicated separately.