Credit: Dawin Rizzo via Unsplash
Mark Read, who faced widespread dissent from staff when he cut working from home days, has made public his views of the advantage of being back in the office.
Read, according to multiple reports, told an event at SXSW London that “people are happier when they’re in the office”.
The comment drew laughter from the crowd.
The London-based global advertising group enforced four days a week in the office from April this year.
The policy sparked widespread outrage within WPP, with some starting a petition urging the mandate be overturned.
Insiders speak, on condition of not being identified, about the personal impact, including long commute times, higher child care costs, reduced family time and deteriorating mental health.
Some argued WPP was effectively asking employees to adopt a lower standard of living without compensating by increasing pay or providing other benefits.
However, Read was unmoved.
“I think people are happier when they’re in the office,” Read told the SXSW audience. “ In our offices, they’re much happier.”
He said rapid technology changes are better dealt with face-to-face.
“Human connectivity and human collaboration are what make all creative companies special.”
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