Day: October 10, 2020

Microsoft has released new “hybrid workplace” guidance that details how employees can work from home and even relocate elsewhere in the country following the ongoing pandemic.

According to reports, Microsoft will allow employees to work from home freely for less than 50% of their working week, and managers will be able to approve permanent remote work.

“We will offer as much flexibility as possible to support individual work styles while balancing business needs, and ensuring we live our culture,” a post on the Official Microsoft Blog read.

Other highlights of the guidance include:

1. Employees who opt to WFH permanently will give up their assigned office space, but can still use “touchdown space” at offices.
2. Employees can move across the country for remote work, but compensation and benefits will change and vary depending on the company’s own pay scale. Those who move will need to cover their own relocation expenses.
3. Microsoft will cover home office expenses for permanent remote workers.
4. Flexible working hours will be available without manager approval.

The company stressed that some roles still require access to the offices, hardware, data centres and in-person training.

“Flexibility can mean different things to each of us, and we recognize there is no one-size-fits-all solution given the variety of roles, work requirements and business needs we have at Microsoft,” the Blog statement says further.

Microsoft was one of the first companies to shift its tech workforce remotely when the coronavirus hit in March. Other tech giants such as Twitter and Zillow have said they’ll allow employees to work from home indefinitely.

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