Leaked email outlines Nike's new return-to-office plan, which 'happily' coincides with the brand's 50th anniversary

• Nike this week announced a "phased return" to US offices, with most workers required back by May 3.
• In December, the company indefinitely delayed returning to its offices.

Most Nike workers will return to the company's US offices in time to celebrate the brand's 50th anniversary.

The sportswear giant sent an email to employees Wednesday outlining the company's new "phased return" to its offices. A copy of the email was reviewed by Insider.

"The phased return steps up a gear on May 3 — happily coinciding with our 50th anniversary! — when the flexible 3/2 hybrid work approach gets underway," Chief Human Resources Officer Monique Matheson wrote in the email.

Like many large companies, Nike has repeatedly changed its back-to-office plans. In December, the company indefinitely delayed returning to the office in the wake of criticism from employees and a spike in COVID-19 cases due to Omicron.

That month an internal email showed only 54% of employees thought Nike's return-to-office plan gave them enough flexibility. Several employees said the forced return to the office would hamper the company's recruiting efforts, particularly with high-demand technology workers.

The popularity of the current back-to-office plan with workers remains unclear, but Nike is pushing forward.

"Now, with cautious optimism, I'm excited to share a new approach and timeline for the return to our US offices," Matheson wrote in the email.

On Monday, April 4, the company will start a "transition month" of returning to the office, according to the email. Nike did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

Starting May 3, most Nike workers will be required to be in the office three days a week, with the option to work remotely the other two days. Nike also continues to "pilot" a full-time remote schedule with some workers.

"Previously we set one return date — now, we are phasing our return over the coming months to give you the time, space and flexibility you need to plan and prepare," Matheson wrote.

Matheson wrote in this week's email that Nike will continue to "embrace flexibility."

"We are evaluating additional flexible work options and well-being initiatives, and expect to have some great news to share on this front in the coming months," she wrote.

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