Google continues its efforts to bring employees back to the office, incorporating in-person attendance into performance evaluations. Even major tech companies, equipped with ample resources and technologies to support remote work effectively, are succumbing to the traditional in-person work approach.
What most employees complain about, though, is the fact that these tech giants, responsible for developing essential tools for remote workers in all sectors, are now hesitant to embrace remote work themselves.
Google´s New In-Person Policy
Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi wrote in an internal memo obtained by news outlets:
“For those who are remote and who live near a Google office, we hope you’ll consider switching to a hybrid work schedule. Our offices are where you’ll be most connected to Google’s community. Going forward, we’ll consider new remote work requests by exception only.”
According to the memo, employees not already designated as remote will now have their badge swipes racked to ensure they appear in the office three days per week; managers can factor their absences into performance.
Tech companies insist on bringing employees back to the office, believing that increased in-person time is crucial for fostering workplace relationships. According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, over half of Americans who work remotely, even partially, feel that it hampers their sense of connection with colleagues.
Memos from Google and Meta align with this sentiment, emphasizing that employees at least three days a week in the office tend to experience stronger connections with their peers. While not everyone may believe in the value of casual in-person interactions, the consensus remains that working together in physical proximity positively impacts collaboration.
