Microsoft has decided to allow some of its employees to work from home, even when the situation gets normal and it’s safe to come to the office. Most of Microsoft employees are working from during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, the software company has internally unveiled new guidelines for the ‘hybrid workplace’ to allow more flexibility to its employees. The guidelines allow all employees of the company to work remotely less than 50 percent of the time. The guidelines state that employees can take permanent remote work by requesting their managers. Those who will select to work from home permanently will have to give up their assigned office space. However, they can still use Microsoft’s touchdown office.
The coronavirus pandemic has challenged all of us to live, think, and work in new ways, said Microsoft’s chief people officer Kathleen Hogan. Hogan said in a note that the company will try to offer as much flexibility as possible to support its employees while trying to balance business needs and ensuring we live our culture. While most of the employees can easily take advantage of the new guidelines, there are some roles that won’t have the privilege of permanent transition to a remote place. Microsoft has highlighted such roles that require coming to the company’s offices. This includes those that will require access to data centers, hardware labs, and in-person training.
Employees of Microsoft will also be given an option to relocate domestically or even internationally if remote working is an option for their particular role. But the important thing is that the compensation and benefits will also vary depending on the geo-pay scale of the company. At the same time, the company will be covering some home office expenses for its permanent remote workers. But those away from Microsoft’s offices will be required to cover their own relocation costs. The company is also giving flexible working hours without manager approval, and those who want part-time work hours can request their managers for it.
