Disney CEO Bob Iger has ordered employees to return to the office four days a week

Disney CEO Bob Iger is cracking down on remote work and looking to lead a turnaround effort at the troubled entertainment giant.

Eiger returned as Disney CEO in late Novembersaid employees at hybrid companies will be required to work at least four days a week in the office starting March 1.

“Over the past few months, I have met with various teams across the company and have been reminded of the great value of being with the people I work with,” Iger wrote in a note. Obtained by CNBC.

“As I’ve said many times, creativity is our heart and soul and what we do at Disney,” added Iger. “And in a creative business like ours, we value the ability to connect, observe, and create with peers that come from being physically together, as well as the opportunities to grow professionally by learning from leaders and mentors. There is no substitute.”

Iger is looking to bolster Disney’s performance after a disastrous year in which his predecessor, Bob Chapek, faced internal and external criticism for a string of business failures and PR missteps. The shares of the Burbank, Calif.-based company have fallen nearly 40% in the past 12 months.

At a town hall meeting with employees in late November, Iger hinted that Disney’s work rules could be updated. At the time, executives did not go so far as to mandate a return to the office, but urged employees to do more work in the field.

“I worry long-term about the negative impact on people who decide not to spend a lot of time in the office,” Iger said. bloomberg“I’m going to spend a lot of time here. I hope I’m not alone.”

The Washington Post has reached out to Disney for further comment.

Disney joins a number of other big companies, including Tesla and Snap, who have ordered employees to return to the office for a set number of days as the COVID-19 pandemic abates.

The push for a return to office is the latest sign of Iger’s plans to shake up the Mouse House.

Iger has previously revealed Disney’s intentions for major internal remodeling, The power of creative executives Some reportedly lost credibility before Čapek retired.

He also told Disney employees: The company’s hiring freeze remains in place while he looks up the cost.