Google's Remote Work Policy Allows 20% Employees Permanent WFH

Google has announced a new hybrid work model where it expects one-fifth of the company¡¯s employees to work from home after its offices reopen later this year.

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai made the announcement of the post-pandemic hybrid workplace in an email to employees under which some 60 per cent Google employees will spend a few days per week in the office, 20 per cent will work in new office locations and the remaining 20 per cent will continue to work from home.

The California-based search giant was one of the first companies to allow its employees to telecommute until mid-2021 when the pandemic struck last year. And while it¡¯s started reopening offices in April, Google employees can continue to work remotely until September as previously reported.

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¡°We¡¯ll move to a hybrid work week where most Googlers spend approximately three days in the office and two days wherever they work best,¡± Pichai wrote, adding that some roles may require employees to be on site for more than three days a week.

Those requesting for location transfers will need to check with their leads whether the new location can support the goals of the team and business. ¡°Whether you choose to transfer to a different office or opt for completely remote work, your compensation will be adjusted according to your new location,¡± Pichai added.

In his email, the Google CEO also said that it was "heartbreaking" to see the COVID-19 surge in places like India and Brazil. ¡°If you live in one of these places, please focus on taking care of yourselves and your loved ones right now. We are here to support however we can,¡± he added.

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Google¡¯s new work policy comes even as many had hoped for a shift in work-culture, especially in Silicon Valley, where remote work would be the norm post-pandemic--a win-win scenario for both employees and employers, who can save commute time and office expenses, respectively. Just to give you an idea, Google saved over $1 Billion in 2020 in expenses from company promotions, travel and entertainment.

Twitter, by contrast, told employees they can continue working from home ¡°forever¡± if they wish so. Facebook and Spotify have also said that their employees can continue to be home-based.