Microsoft is now the latest employer to expand its work-from-home policy set up during the coronavirus pandemic. As per recent reports, the tech giant will allow permanent work from home for its employees if they choose to do so.
Microsoft allows employees to choose permanent work from home option when offices reopen
Presently, the employees are still working from home, and Microsoft’s US offices are not expected to reopen until January. When they do reopen, employees can choose to work from home permanently, but they will have to give up their space in the office.
Microsoft’s Chief People Officer, Kathleen Hogan stated that the pandemic has made everyone think of new ways to think, live, and work.
A Microsoft spokesperson did not directly address the permanent work from the home policy, but he said that they aim to evolve the way they work overtime with assistance from employee input, data, and a strong commitment to supporting each one’s work style and business needs.
Prior approval required from managers to work remotely permanently
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As per reports, the Microsoft employees will need prior approval from their managers to work from home permanently, but they will be allowed to spend less than 50 percent of their week outside the office without approval. Some of the employees are not eligible for permanent remote work like those work in Microsoft’s labs or are responsible for training other employees.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has also stated in his memo that workers can relocate across the United States or overseas. There will be a change in salary depending on the relocation with the company covering the work from home expenses but not the relocation expenses.
Facebook says that half of its staff could work from permanently within the next five to ten years
As per securities filing, Microsoft had employed 163,000 people out of which 96,000 are out of the US. The tech giant is looking to set up a “hybrid workplace” by giving employees greater flexibility in choosing their work style.
Microsoft has followed its tech peers in providing employees with flexible work options. Major tech firms like Facebook headed by Mark Zuckerberg have implemented the same. The social media giant has stated that half of its staff could be working remotely permanently within five to ten years.