Industry clutches pearls after WPP returns to office four days a week

This story originally published on sister site, WorkLife.

WPP’s announcement requiring employees to return to the office four days a week has sent shockwaves through the advertising industry, spotlighting a deepening divide between corporate-owned and independent agencies on workplace flexibility. While some leaders argue in-person collaboration fuels creativity, critics view the move as outdated and morale-crushing.

Employees have voiced frustration over the abrupt policy from the agency holding group, citing poor communication and personal challenges, with some questioning whether “creative collaboration” outweighs childcare needs or two-hour commutes. Meanwhile, independents see an opportunity to attract disillusioned talent championing flexible models that balance productivity with personal well-being.

As WPP braces for potential backlash — including a petition with over 15,000 signatures — the industry grapples with a critical question: can rigid mandates coexist with the evolving expectations of the modern workforce? For now, the battle lines are drawn, with the future of talent and agency hanging in the balance.

Read the full story.

https://digiday.com/?p=565654

More in Media Buying

The Trade Desk missed its revenue target for the first time, here’s how CEO Jeff Green pledged to fix it

The DSP eyes increased brand-direct efforts, AI-investments and is counting on Google’s exit from “the open internet.”

How Media By Mother’s CEO wrote a quick, noteworthy pitch using generative AI

The CEO of Media By Mother wrote a pitch for a global advertiser over the holiday break using Chat GPT — and got past the RFI stage.

Graphic of a dollar sign-shaped key unlocking a lock, symbolizing the key to unlocking successful performance marketing through the seven stages of development

Amid uncertainty, ad tech mavens turn to startups

DoubleVerify pledges $1 million to Europe-based ad tech fund, as The Trade Desk breaks its M&A duck.