Today’s Solutions: November 02, 2024

As many office buildings have closed their doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, an increasing number of companies have come to the realization that their employees can work just as effectively from their homes. As a result, many firms are now considering giving their workers the choice to work remotely on a permanent basis. The latest to do so is Microsoft.

Though most of Microsoft’s employees are still working from home during the ongoing pandemic, the tech giant has unveiled a “hybrid workplace” guidance internally to offer employees greater flexibility once the pandemic subsides.

As part of the new working environment, Microsoft will allow employees to work from home freely for less than 50 percent of their time at work, or for managers to approve permanent remote work.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us to think, live, and work in new ways,” says Kathleen Hogan, Microsoft’s chief people officer, in a note to employees. “We will offer as much flexibility as possible to support individual work styles while balancing business needs, and ensuring we live our culture.”

A few roles, however, won’t be able to take advantage of the new “hybrid workplace. Employees involved in hardware development, data centers, and in-person training, for example, will still have to show up at the office.

People with jobs that can be done entirely from will also be allowed to relocate internationally. What’s more, the plan is to also allow employees to have flexible work schedules, allowing them to pick their own working hours.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This heartwarming Danish ad breaks down the ‘Us vs Them’ narrative

It’s rare that we publish a story about an advertisement, but then again it’s rare that an ad stirs so much emotion within its ...

Read More

NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing

We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city ...

Read More

A seat at the table for underrepresented communities

Climate change is already affecting all of us—however, those that bear the brunt of these consequences are predominantly from low-income, marginalized, BIPOC communities. So ...

Read More

Expanding democracy: Michigan opens new doors for formerly incarcerated voters

Malijah Gee's path from incarceration at the age of 17 to imminent freedom reflects the longing for a voice that has been suppressed for 36 years. ...

Read More