Publicis Media has parted ways with over 100 staffers in the U.S. because they did not comply with the agency group’s return-to-office policy.  

It wasn’t immediately clear which offices around the country the departures occurred. Publicis Media oversees agencies including Spark Foundry, Zenith and Publicis Health Media.   

Last October Publicis Groupe announced that it would implement new companywide work-from-home policy—effective January 1 of this year—requiring employees to be in the office three days a week with Mondays a must for one of those days. Also consecutive work-from-home days are no longer allowed.  

While the new policy was rolled out globally at the start of this year, it was put into effect in the U.S. in spring 2023.  

In a video message to employees last fall, CEO Arthur Sadoun said work-from-home was a viable option during the COVID-19 pandemic. But he indicated that people are at their best workwise when they are interacting face-to-face in an office environment working together. Hence the post-COVID policy change. 

In regard to the recent U.S. departures Publicis Media issued a statement:  

“We have been clear and consistent about our policy that employees work from the office at least three days a week—an expectation that is being met and exceeded by the majority of our talent. We do not comment on individual employment changes.”