Microsoft has announced they’re letting more of their employees work from home, permanently.
Like most companies and workplaces, Microsoft has adjusted to most of their staff working remotely to adhere with COVID-19 restrictions. The company is now expanding this with a new “hybrid workplace” guidance that will allow for a much larger range of working at home, with up to 50% of their work capable of being done at home.
As they have since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, all permanently remote work conditions have to be approved by an employee’s manager. Employees that opt for working permanently from home will naturally lose their office space, however they will be able to utilize the touchdown space in Microsoft’s Redmond, WA offices.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us to think, live, and work in new ways,” Kathleen Hogan, Microsoft’s chief people officer said. “We will offer as much flexibility as possible to support individual workstyles, while balancing business needs, and ensuring we live our culture.”
Despite most staff being able to take advantage of the new guidelines, there will be some roles that will be difficult if not impossible to work remotely – like those who need physical access to data centers, hardware labs, and in-person training exercises. Flexible working hours will be available without manager approval.
Furthermore, Microsoft will even let employees to relocate across the country for remote work, although compensation and benefits will vary depending on their geopay scale. The company will even cover home office expenses for permanent remote staff, however they will not cover the cost of relocation itself.
Prior to today’s new mandate, Microsoft had previously confirmed they won’t be opening their offices until January 2021 at the very earliest. Other large tech companies, like Facebook, have also let employees switch to working remotely, permanently.
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