Disney CEO Bob Iger is cracking down on distant working as he tries to lead recovery efforts at the struggling entertainment giant.
Iger, who returned as Disney’s CEO in late November, told employees at hybrid corporations that starting March 1, they’d have to work in the office a minimum of 4 days a week.
“As I have been meeting with teams across the company over the past few months, I have been reminded of the tremendous value of being along with the people you’re employed with,” Iger wrote in a memo. obtained by CNBC.
“As you have heard me say again and again, creativity is the heart and soul of who we’re and what we do at Disney,” added Iger. “And in a creative business like ours, there is not any substitute for the opportunities to connect, observe and create with peers that come from being physically together, or the opportunity to grow professionally by learning from leaders and mentors.”
![Disney](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Disney-office-04.jpg?w=1024)
Iger goals to improve Disney’s results after a dismal 12 months during which his predecessor, Bob Chapek, faced each internal and external criticism over a series of business and PR blunders. The Burbank, California-based company’s shares have fallen nearly 40% in the past 12 months.
Iger hinted at a potential update to Disney’s work policies during a meeting with employees at City Hall in late November. At the time, the director shunned ordering them back to the office, at the same time as he urged employees to start working more on site.
“I’m concerned about the long-term negative impact on individuals who select not to spend as much time in the office,” said Iger. (*4*)Bloomberg. “I will be spending a lot of time here and I hope I won’t be lonely.”
![Disney](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Disney-office-01.jpg?w=1024)
The Post has reached out to Disney for further comments.
Disney will join many other leading corporations, including Tesla and Snap, which have ordered employees to return to the office for a set variety of days as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes.
The push to return to the office is the latest sign of Iger’s plans to shake up the House of Mouse.
Iger had previously revealed his intention to conduct a major internal reshuffle at Disney that might once more highlight the strength of the company’s creative directors – a few of whom had reportedly lost confidence in Chapek prior to his departure.
He also told Disney employees that the company’s hiring freeze would remain in place while he investigated costs.