All articles tagged with #office culture
Starbucks is increasing in-office work requirements for corporate employees to four days a week and requiring remote managers to relocate to Seattle or Toronto as part of its 'Back to Starbucks' plan, aiming to strengthen its culture and reverse sales declines, while offering voluntary exit packages to some employees.
Major corporations like Disney and Amazon are facing backlash for mandating a return to office, as remote work has become a valued employee benefit. The article argues that forcing employees back to the office is a mistake, as remote work offers flexibility, improved mental health, and competitive advantage. It suggests that companies should allow managers to decide on work arrangements, focusing on results rather than location.
As companies strive to revive pre-pandemic office cultures, employees are prioritizing tangible benefits like flexible work arrangements, equitable pay, and a focus on humanity in the workplace over traditional perks. The shift in priorities is a natural consequence of the pandemic, with workers demanding to be seen as whole humans and advocating for their needs. Younger employees, in particular, are less interested in traditional office perks and more focused on tangible benefits that improve their lives, making it clear that companies need to adapt to retain talent in the post-pandemic world.
CEO Frank Weishaupt of Owl Labs encourages "coffee badging," where employees swipe in at the office, have a coffee, and then work remotely, as a way to embrace flexible schedules and boost efficiency and morale. Weishaupt believes in hiring people to do a job, not to watch them work, and emphasizes the importance of trust and organic in-office participation. He advocates for task-based office use and urges bosses to trust their gut and do what's right for their particular workplace, rather than mandating strict in-office policies.
Gen Zers are reshaping office culture by rejecting formalities and opting for more informal ways of communication. They are shunning emails in favor of platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, which offer faster and more convenient communication. Many Gen Zers find the expectation to keep things "formal" at work challenging and are rebelling against traditional work culture. This shift is causing a culture clash with older generations and challenging workplace norms. Gen Z's preference for informal communication channels is forcing organizations to reconsider their reliance on email and adapt to new ways of working.
Roblox CEO David Baszucki has informed employees that they must work in the company's physical office at least three days a week or seek employment elsewhere. The decision comes as Roblox joins a growing list of companies implementing strict return-to-office mandates. Baszucki stated that working in an office strengthens company culture and leads to more innovative and productive employees. Remote workers have until mid-January to decide whether they will return to the office, with relocation expenses provided if necessary. Those who choose not to return can opt for a severance package and healthcare coverage for six months. Roblox will still employ remote workers in specific roles and niche skill sets.
Boeing CEO David Calhoun has been commuting to work via private jet while encouraging employees to return to the office. Calhoun has taken over 400 private jet trips from his homes and is rarely seen in the office, while only 30% of the company's job postings allow for remote working. In an effort to entice employees back to the office, Boeing has organized events such as happy hours and alpaca visits. The CEO and CFO have also chosen not to relocate to the company's headquarters, with the CFO having a small office opened near his home instead.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has expressed frustration with employees who are not coming into the office at least three days a week, stating that it "probably won't work out" for them at the company. This comes as major tech firms like Google and Meta have also ordered staff back to the office for the majority of the working week. Jassy believes that being in the office promotes collaboration and learning from each other. The shift towards in-person work follows a series of job cuts in the tech industry, with companies acknowledging over-expansion during the pandemic. Amazon faced internal opposition, including a petition and a worldwide walkout, against its return-to-office mandate.
Contrary to popular belief, it is high-earning mid-to-senior-level employees, not Gen Z workers, who strongly prefer working from home, according to McKinsey research. The study found that 33% of employees earning over $150,000 would quit their high-paying job if required to work in the office five days a week, and half of the most senior employees surveyed are holding on to their work-from-home days. This influential group is likely to protect remote and hybrid work policies, making flexibility crucial in attracting and retaining top talent. Despite some Gen Z workers wanting to return to the office for social and professional development reasons, the demand for office space is expected to remain lower than pre-pandemic levels.
This article provides tips for overachievers on how to bring vacation treats back to the office. It emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and fostering a positive office culture through food sharing. The author suggests considering the office environment, packaging treats properly, and being mindful of dietary restrictions when selecting treats to bring back. Additionally, they recommend sharing the story behind the treats to create a sense of connection and appreciation among colleagues.
Martha Stewart expressed her disapproval of remote work, stating that people cannot get everything done working three days a week in the office and two days remotely. She also cited her own work ethic during the pandemic and kept her team staffed at her Bedford, New York, farm during the shutdown for COVID-19. Stewart has previously celebrated the workplace grind and hustle culture, and in 2021, she told Harper’s Bazaar that employers should be able to call employees anytime, even on weekends.
A recent study found that managers who regularly check in with their employees and provide feedback can significantly improve employee engagement. With many companies considering a return to the office, it's important for managers to prioritize communication and flexibility to maintain a positive office culture and work-life balance.