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Verizon Seizes Opportunity Amid AT&T’s Return-to-Office Shift

In January, AT&T announced a shift from its hybrid work model, mandating employees to return to the office five days a week. This decision has opened the door for Verizon, AT&T’s primary competitor, to attract talent from AT&T by promoting its flexible work options.

Verizon’s talent acquisition team reached out to several AT&T employees via email, encouraging them to explore Verizon’s hybrid and remote job openings. Business Insider obtained a copy of the email, which explicitly referred to AT&T’s new RTO policy.

In the email, Verizon stated, “Following the news of changing RTO policies across the industry, we’re reaching out to share helpful resources and potential hybrid/remote job opportunities across Verizon. If you have been personally affected by organizational policy changes or know anyone who has, we’re looking to add top talent to the V team.”

As of now, Verizon lists 14 jobs offering hybrid or remote options among a total of 1,455 positions available in the U.S. The roles span various functions, ranging from inside sales to network technician positions.

In stark contrast, AT&T has 1,620 job openings in the U.S., all requiring employees to work on-site.

AT&T responded to inquiries by emphasizing that employees have a choice about where they work. “We desire individuals who wish to work in a dynamic and challenging team environment with strong relationships and collaboration fostered by in-office constructs,” a company spokesperson noted.

A study from Bamboo HR conducted in July indicated that 28% of remote workers would consider resigning if their workplace required a full return to the office five days a week.

This policy shift by AT&T has not been without its challenges. Earlier this year, issues arose concerning office logistics, including a shortage of available desks, leading some staff to work in dining areas or at conference tables, along with difficulties such as inadequate parking and long elevator waits. Previous reports highlighted these operational concerns in the context of AT&T’s RTO mandate.

As of January 31, 2024, AT&T employed 149,900 people in the U.S., while Verizon had approximately 105,400 employees in 2023.

The contrasting approaches to work arrangements illustrate ongoing shifts in workplace culture, as companies navigate the balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration.

Related developments reveal that firms like Salesforce have also mandated employees to return to the office five days a week, reflecting a broader trend in corporate staffing policies.

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