Paramount CEO Ellison Praises Employee Commitment Amid Return-to-Office Push
Paramount Global is moving forward with its return-to-office mandate, with CEO David Ellison expressing gratitude for employee dedication during the transition.
Following the first week of full-time in-office work, Ellison acknowledged the adjustment for many employees in a message reported by Business Insider. “I know that returning to the office full-time has been an adjustment for many, and I truly appreciate the flexibility and commitment you’ve shown,” Ellison stated. “The positive energy and increased productivity that come from being together in-person are already evident, and it’s great to see.”
The directive, initially outlined in a September memo, requires all full-time employees of Paramount Pictures, CBS, Paramount+, Showtime, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and Comedy Central to work on-site five days a week in New York and Los Angeles by January 2026. The company reportedly offered severance packages to those unwilling to comply with the new policy.
Ellison, who officially took the helm as CEO in August, highlighted the progress made in the five months since then. He emphasized the company’s focus on transforming Paramount through investment in storytelling and technology. “We’ve set ambitious goals, and we’re confident we have the strategy, the momentum, and — most importantly — the team to achieve them,” he wrote in his message to employees.
The move to require in-office work is not unique to Paramount. Warner Bros. Discovery and Lionsgate are among other major media companies implementing similar policies. This trend reflects a broader industry shift as companies seek to foster collaboration and innovation through increased in-person interaction.
Here is the full message from Ellison, as reported by Business Insider:
Team Paramount,
As we wrap up our first week back together in our LA and NY offices, I want to thank each of you for your dedication, professionalism, and teamwork. I know that returning to the office full-time has been an adjustment for many, and I truly appreciate the flexibility and commitment you’ve shown. The positive energy and increased productivity that come from being together in-person are already evident, and it’s great to see.
A special thank you to our RTO Task Force and all the teams involved for their hard work behind the scenes to prepare for our return and to ensure the transition was smooth and welcoming for everyone.
It’s hard to believe we launched the new Paramount just five months ago, and in that short time we haven’t just set a strategy — we’ve acted on it. In the process, we’ve made real and meaningful progress against our North Star priorities. From day one, our goal has been clear: to transform Paramount for the future by championing great storytellers, investing in world-class technology, and making bold, thoughtful moves that position us to help define the next era of entertainment. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing — and it’s what we’ll continue to do together.
While the coming year will bring its share of challenges, it will also be exciting. We’ve set ambitious goals, and we’re confident we have the strategy, the momentum, and — most importantly — the team to achieve them. Your expertise, resilience, and commitment give me tremendous confidence in what we can accomplish. I am grateful for your efforts and incredibly proud to work alongside you.
Thanks again for a great first week back together. Let’s go!
Best,
David
Ellison’s message underscores the company’s commitment to its new strategic direction and its reliance on a fully engaged workforce to navigate the evolving entertainment landscape.
