Wix Mandates 5-Day Office Return for Global Teams

Website management platform Wix has announced a mandatory return to the office for employees in three specific countries. Effective February 1, 2026, staff in Israel, Poland, and Lithuania will be required to work from the office five days a week. This policy shift marks a move away from the hybrid and remote work models that were adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the global mandate, US employees are exempt from this new requirement. A company spokesperson confirmed that the American workforce will continue to operate under a hybrid schedule. The decision was communicated via an email from President Nir Zohar, who cited the need for in-person collaboration and innovation as the primary drivers behind the return-to-office initiative.

Nir Zohar, the President of Wix, sent an email to employees on Wednesday outlining the new work structure. The mandate specifically targets employees in Tel Aviv and Beersheba, Israel; Kraków, Poland; and Vilnius, Lithuania. Zohar stated, "Wix is moving to a full office work week," requiring impacted workers to return to the office five days a week starting next month.

The company is making specific exceptions based on location and safety concerns. Ukrainian employees, for instance, are permitted to continue working remotely "from wherever is safest." Additionally, the policy excludes the United States entirely. A company spokesperson confirmed that all US employees "will remain hybrid," though the company declined to explain why American workers are exempt from the new mandate.

Customer Care teams and other global groups were also addressed in the communication. Zohar noted that these teams will have direct communication with local leadership to understand how the changes will affect their specific roles and locations.

The justification for the return-to-office push centers on collaboration and innovation. Zohar argued that in-person work creates an environment conducive to creativity. He described the office atmosphere as vital for "quick chats" and "unplanned ideas," which he believes make problem-solving easier and keep teams connected.

Zohar's reasoning echoes arguments made by other high-profile CEOs, such as AT&T's John Stankey and Starbucks' Brian Niccol, who have also recently rolled back remote work policies. The decision to return to the office was not entirely unexpected; Zohar revealed that Wix had originally planned to implement a full in-office mandate for the Tel Aviv location in October 2023. However, those plans were put on hold due to the Israel-Hamas war. With the new date set for February 2026, the company feels the timing is now appropriate to return to a full work week at the office.

Despite the strict return-to-office mandate, Wix emphasized that it will retain flexibility for personal circumstances. Zohar assured employees that the company will accommodate situations such as sick children or family emergencies. Managers are instructed to work with staff on a case-by-case basis to ensure needs are met, maintaining a culture that existed long before the pandemic.

Financially, Wix services over 200 million users from 10 global corporate offices. The company reported having 5,344 staffers globally as of November. Following the RTO announcement, the company's stock jumped 1.4 percent. However, the stock remains down 53 percent over the past year, including a 37 percent loss in the last six months.

When does the new office policy take effect?
The mandatory return to the office for employees in Israel, Poland, and Lithuania begins on February 1, 2026.

Are all Wix employees required to return to the office?
No. Employees in the United States will remain on a hybrid schedule. Additionally, staff in Ukraine are permitted to continue working remotely from safe locations.

Why is Wix requiring employees to return to the office?
President Nir Zohar cited the importance of collaboration and innovation, stating that being in the office facilitates faster problem-solving and a stronger connection among team members.