Looks like it¡¯s no more ¡®work-from-home¡¯ for Microsoft employees as the company is calling its US employees back to work on February 28 as COVID cases go down and the vaccination rate goes up across the nation.
Also Read:?Work From Home Blocks Innovation, Teamwork & Productivity, Says Microsoft
The company will allow its employees to begin a ¡®30-day transition period¡¯ to allow them to ¡®adjust to their routines and the working preferences they agreed upon with their managers, according to a blog post made by Microsoft¡¯s Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Capossela.
This is essentially the sixth and final stage of Microsoft¡¯s hybrid workplace model and at this stage, the Microsoft facilities can be opened up to all of its employees as well as visitors and guests.?
Microsoft has also revealed that employees will still follow a flexible workplace -- employees will still have an option to work from home for half of the week without requiring discussions with their managers. Those who want to work remotely more will need to connect with their managers to seek approval.
High rates of vaccinations have helped Microsoft reopen its offices. As of February 8th, 83.8 percent of eligible King County residents -- an area from where most of Microsoft¡¯s Washington based employees reside -- have completed their vaccination and around 91.6 percent have received at least one dose.
Also Read:?57% Indian Employees Feel Overworked Working From Home, Claims Survey
Capossela said in a statement, ¡°When we originally shared our return to office approach with employees in the spring of 2020, our world looked much different. Throughout the past 18 months, we¡¯ve seen exciting advances in science and medicine ¨C from the development of vaccines to new strides in medical treatments. While the world has changed, our dedication to the safety and well-being of our employees has remained constant.¡±
He added, ¡°As we navigate this new phase of work, we¡¯ll continue to take a data-driven approach to decision making that follows the guidance of public health authorities. We¡¯re maintaining a close watch on local health data in every area where Microsoft has a physical presence, and we¡¯ll adjust our course if necessary. We¡¯ve learned a lot about working remotely in the last two years and we¡¯re fortunate to have the tools to continue doing so if needed.
Keep reading?Indiatimes.com?for the latest?science and technology?news.