Why tech companies should embrace remote work, not mandate office returns
Remote, hybrid or back to the office full-time? That’s the debate that’s been going on since pandemic lockdown restrictions began to lift, with strong opinions and proponents on both sides of the argument.
This debate has been reignited, with many large-scale tech companies sending employees back to the office on a full-time basis, touting the benefits of collaboration and connection to drive innovation and productivity.
This argument is correct to some extent. Personal collaboration and connection with team members is of course important to develop and invent new products and services. However, this does not mean that this can only be achieved by returning to the pre-pandemic way of working.
While every business is different, the pandemic forced us to fundamentally change and reevaluate the way we work – in many cases for the better. There is a greater appreciation for work-life balance, and the realization that what a company builds is more important than where it is built.
In this piece, I explore the myths many companies use to justify a full-time return to the office, the benefits of open work policies and why the future of technology will require a degree of flexibility.
Chief People Officer at Twilio.
Myth: Remote work hurts employee productivity
A common argument for return-to-office mandates is the potential impact of working from home on employee productivity. Many business leaders believe that employees are more distracted at home and that office work and in-person meetings lead to greater efficiency and creativity. However, companies should remember that what you build is more important than how you build it, suggesting that the quality and results of the work should take precedence over the specific methods or locations of the work.
However, research contradicts this theory, with 59% of UK employees reporting higher productivity when working remotely. Workers don’t just survive; they bloom. The flexibility and autonomy of remote working have improved work-life balance for many, resulting in happier and more motivated teams.
Many remote companies are still figuring out how to optimize distributed teams, which means continued education is essential. Equipping your managers with tools and resources to lead effectively is critical. For example, to support our employees’ productivity, we organize ‘Focus Fridays’ in all regions, so that employees can focus on their work, without scheduled meetings. Providing real-time feedback on team health through regular pulse surveys also provides actionable insights and recommendations to support employee productivity while working remotely.
Myth: Remote work policies don’t attract talent
While many technology companies are forcing a return to the office, we recently reassured our employees that remote working is here to stay. Our proprietary employee survey shows that 93% of employees report effective remote team collaboration, and remote work is the top motivator for candidates to accept a role with the company.
In fact, ‘remote first’ is a big driver for attracting and retaining top talent from around the world. Flexible working has created new opportunities for talent, allowing companies to hire from a global pool of candidates. Geographic barriers have disappeared, allowing companies to recruit the best employees regardless of their location. This innovative approach has allowed companies to hire experts from all over the world without the logistical and financial costs of relocation.
In recent years, the job market has become increasingly competitive, meaning companies face ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining talent. Workplace flexibility has become a top priority for job seekers, especially in the technology sector. Since the pandemic, offering remote or hybrid options is no longer a perk, but an expectation. As more companies mandate a five-day work week, many will struggle to fill positions as potential candidates gravitate toward opportunities that offer more flexibility.
Myth: Team spirit can only be promoted in the office
Companies often worry about the lack of human interaction and the potential impact on colleagues due to remote working. However, advancing technology offers innovative ways to stay connected. Many organizations budget for annual in-person meetings and team offsites. When budgets are tight, they can use existing technology to host virtual team building events.
With employees around the world at Twilio, our priority is to keep them connected. We recognize that while remote working is not perfect and presents challenges, we are constantly experimenting and adapting to improve it. We discovered that many employees live close to each other or within commuting distance. To increase connectivity and engagement, we hosted in-person hub events in cities or towns with a significant number of remote workers. Our CEO, Khozema Shipchandler, recently expressed his strong support for remote work. He emphasizes that companies must continue to offer remote work options to remain competitive in today’s evolving marketplace.
For remote companies, it is also essential to continuously listen to employees and use their feedback to determine business strategy. As part of our Open Work policy, we collect and respond to feedback from our employees. We listen, learn and implement new programs as employee needs change. Additionally, being clear and consistent about remote work policies helps reduce employee anxiety amid changing work trends.
The future of technology requires flexibility
As more companies consider mandating a return to the office in the coming years, they risk losing their competitive advantage – when it comes to retaining employees, attracting talent and impact on customers.
For companies that prioritize employee well-being, retention and productivity, remote work offers clear benefits. Companies that are willing to rethink the workplace and introduce innovative ways of working will be better positioned for future success. By moving away from the rigid office mandates of before the pandemic and embracing the potential of remote work, as Twilio has done, tech companies can attract top talent, increase productivity and create a happier workforce. CEOs considering an RTO should carefully consider the damaging impact it could have on their business. The world of technology is evolving, and those who adapt to these changes – rather than resist them – will thrive in this new era.
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This article was produced as part of Ny BreakingPro’s Expert Insights channel, where we profile the best and brightest minds in today’s technology industry. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Ny BreakingPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing, you can read more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro