Clearly, a viral crisis like this is doom. But one small positive side-effect is that employees are experiencing the effectiveness of working from home.
“As the health crisis crawls on most Microsoft employees are still at home and the company doesn’t expect to reopen its US offices until January of next year at the earliest,” said Verge. So, employees can choose to work from home permanently, by giving up their office space.
Again, nobody is pleased about the coronavirus pandemic. But since it’s occurring and big tech companies are responding, the entire thing could change the work trends.
COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything; it’s not like employees failing off.
It’s quite hard to understand. And since Microsoft adapting a flexible workspace for employees and letting them work from home, it’s difficult to take that perk away because every business owner who wants to have the best team must be concerned about the health of their employees.
Kathleen Hogan, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer wrote in a public blog post, “We will offer as much flexibility as possible to support individual work styles while balancing business needs and ensuring we live our culture.”
It’s an undenying fact that; there is something different about human interaction that can’t be possible with the technology. While face-to-face interaction, two people share a moment that’s incredibly compelling for humans.
Having said that’ not every employee agrees to work from anywhere, as they believe there is value in employees being together in the workplace.
Some employees won’t be eligible for remote-work arrangements, such as those who work in Microsoft’s labs or train other employees.
In its memo, the company co-founded by Bill Gates said it is possible for its workers to relocate across the United States or perhaps overseas, The Verge reported.
Those that relocate may see their salaries change depending on where they go, and while the company will cover expenses for employees’ home offices, it won’t cover relocation expenses.
Why is Microsoft Adapting a Flexible Workspace for Employees?
When it comes to big organizations, there is no one-size fit for all; flexibility has different meanings as per the requirement.
To make the situation better for every employee, Microsoft has presented the guidance so that their employees can make informed decisions and adopt changes in their workstations.
They have provided the step-by-step guidance that involves considerations like office space, salary and benefits, local law, personal taxes, expenses, and more.
Well, most of the employees enjoy work from home, but for people who live alone, the reality of remote work can be even bleaker.
Because inherently, we are social creatures, and every small interaction heightens our emotions and makes us feel like we all are connected.
As desperate time calls for desperate measures, given the pandemic situation, Microsoft to adapt work from home permanently is a desperate measure that will keep their financial status stable.