Home Depot Cuts 800 Corporate Jobs, Mandates 5-Day Office Return

The home improvement retailer is streamlining operations and requiring remote workers to report to the office full-time.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Home Depot announced it is laying off around 800 corporate employees, primarily remote workers, and requiring remaining staff to return to the office five days a week starting in April. The company cited a need to simplify operations and stay more closely connected with frontline store associates.

Why it matters

The layoffs and return-to-office mandate reflect broader trends in the retail industry, as companies respond to shifting consumer demand and economic conditions by streamlining operations and rethinking remote work policies.

The details

The layoffs affected positions tied to Home Depot's store support center near Atlanta, with 150 of the 800 employees reporting to the office. The company is offering separation packages and other support to those affected. Remaining corporate employees will have to report to the office five days a week starting in April, up from the current four-day requirement.

  • Home Depot announced the layoffs on January 28, 2026.
  • The 800 corporate employees were laid off on January 28, 2026.
  • Remaining employees will have to return to the office five days a week starting the week of April 6, 2026.

The players

Home Depot

A major home improvement retail chain.

Home Depot spokesperson

A representative who provided details on the layoffs and return-to-office policy.

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What they’re saying

“We're simplifying our corporate operations to better support our stores and our customers. Our goal is to drive greater agility and position the company to move faster and stay even more closely connected with our frontline associates.”

— Home Depot spokesperson

The takeaway

The Home Depot layoffs and return-to-office mandate reflect broader challenges facing the retail industry, as companies navigate shifting consumer demand and economic conditions by streamlining operations and rethinking remote work policies.