Home Depot Trims Corporate Workforce, Mandates Full Return to Office
ATLANTA – In a significant shift for one of the region's largest employers, The Home Depot, Inc. announced a corporate restructuring Wednesday that will eliminate hundreds of positions and mandate a full-time return to the office for its remaining headquarters staff, signaling a broader retreat from pandemic-era work models.
The company confirmed it is cutting approximately 800 corporate roles as part of an effort to streamline operations. A spokesperson indicated that fewer than 150 of the eliminated jobs were based at its Store Support Center in Vinings, with the vast majority being remote positions, many within the technology division.
"We are making strategic changes to sharpen our focus on stores and customers," the company said in a statement. "This restructuring is designed to increase agility, speed up decision-making, and strengthen the connection between our corporate teams and our frontline associates."
Beyond the layoffs, the retailer is rolling back remote work flexibility entirely. Effective April 6, corporate associates must adhere to a mandatory five-day in-office workweek. In a memo to employees, CEO Ted Decker framed the policy shift as "essential to simplify our business and focus our energy on the priorities ahead," citing improved collaboration with store operations as a key driver.
The move places Home Depot among a growing list of major Atlanta-area corporations, including UPS, which announced massive job cuts earlier this year, recalibrating their post-pandemic workforce strategies. Analysts see this as part of a wider corporate trend prioritizing in-person collaboration and operational consolidation amid economic uncertainty.
The company acknowledged the impact of the layoffs, stating support for affected employees would include separation packages, transitional benefits, and job placement assistance.
Reader Reactions:
Michael R., Retail Operations Manager (Atlanta, GA): "This is a tough but necessary recalibration. The disconnect between corporate and stores became palpable. Being physically present fosters a better understanding of daily retail challenges and customer needs."
Priya C., Former Tech Sector Recruiter (Remote): "The blanket mandate to return feels like a step backward. It disregards the proven productivity of remote work and will likely lead to a further brain drain, especially in tech. They're trading talent for an outdated notion of 'collaboration.'"
David L., Small Business Owner (Sandy Springs): "Seeing giants like Home Depot and UPS tighten their belts is a sobering economic indicator. It trickles down. Fewer corporate jobs mean less local spending—on lunches, dry cleaning, everything. The whole ecosystem feels it."
Sarah J., HR Consultant: "The concentrated cuts in remote tech roles are telling. It suggests a strategic pivot, possibly consolidating tech functions or shifting to more vendor-based solutions. The support packages mentioned will be critical for a smooth transition."