Working from home is becoming permanent. The remote work model, adopted widely due to the coronavirus pandemic, has become an attractive option for many companies. Several firms have announced that, based on their experiences during the outbreak, they are considering allowing employees to continue working from home even after the pandemic. After the initial spread of the coronavirus, many companies around the world shifted to remote work. In many places, as the effects of the outbreak eased, some employees have already returned to the office.
However, recent reports indicate that some companies have concluded remote work is more effective and have decided to make it a long-term arrangement. The companies that plan to continue remote work after the pandemic include the following.
BOX
According to the company’s CEO, employees at Box—about 2,000 people—are free to work from wherever they choose through the end of 2020. Before the pandemic, roughly 15% of Box employees were already working remotely. The CEO expects that proportion to grow, while also emphasizing the role of offices in fostering creativity and communication. For that reason, Box anticipates a hybrid model. In future periods, some weekly meetings may be held remotely, and the company says it will support employees in creating comfortable home work environments.
Twitter has implemented a similar approach. Company officials have announced that some employees will be allowed to work from home permanently. It has not yet been finalized which departments will be eligible. The company clarified that employees whose roles can be performed remotely—and who wish to do so—may be permitted to work from home indefinitely. For those who return to the office, Twitter says it will create a safer and more welcoming workplace.
Square
Square, a company led by the former Twitter CEO, stated that employees who want to continue working from home will be able to do so after the pandemic. The mobile payments and financial services company said that even if offices fully reopen, it will continue to support remote work for those who prefer it.
PSA Group
PSA Group, the French automaker, announced that employees not involved in production lines will continue working remotely. In a statement describing a program called “A New Era of Agility,” the company said its positive experience during the coronavirus crisis and the effectiveness of remote work for non-production staff influenced the decision to make the practice permanent. The company also noted that offices will be redesigned so in-person meetings can occur when necessary.
According to Facebook’s CEO, up to 50% of the company’s workforce may be working from home over the next five to ten years. The decision reflects several factors, including efforts to increase employee satisfaction and expand opportunities for well-being. The company also noted that working in the office limits interaction to a relatively small group of people, while remote work can enable access to a broader range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Shopify
Shopify’s CEO said the company is returning to the fundamentals of work life and that the era of office-centered work is over. Beginning immediately, Shopify considers itself a digital-first organization. The CEO announced that company offices would remain closed through 2021, and added that employees who prefer to work remotely permanently will be able to make that arrangement part of their contracts.