Bolt, the Estonian competitor to Uber, is requiring employees to return to the office for three days each week after CEO Markus Villig criticized staff for working remotely from locations like Bali.

Villig, concerned about a 'disconnected' workforce, has partially revoked Bolt's flexible work policy, now mandating employees to work in the office for at least 12 days per month.

In a memo highlighted by The Telegraph, Villig expressed frustration over less than half of the employees attending the office even two days a week and criticized remote work from vacation spots.

He argued that in-person work is essential for relationship-building, communication, and mental health.

Villig emphasized the firm's need to avoid falling into 'mediocrity,' referencing other top companies like Amazon and Tesla that require significant office presence to maintain their culture.

Bolt's global employer branding manager, Grete Kivi, supported the policy, stating that Bolt has never been a remote-first company and demands high performance from its 4,000+ employees across 50 countries, including the UK.

The hybrid model aims to balance flexibility and foster a connected, high-performing workplace.