Google Walks Back On Enthusiasm For Hybrid Working

According to Google’s annual 10-K report, increased distancing and hybrid work models could actually increase costs and hurt its workplace culture.

Google has long been known for its alternative workplace perks, with a workforce that features full-time employees, as well as temporary workers and freelancers.

However, the company is now stating that they could see increased costs due to increasing safety protocols in their offices for when employees return and trying to accommodate hybrid working.

Despite Google being one of the first big tech companies to embrace remote working, it’s vague work policies over the past year and investments into large office spaces have left its workplace arrangements in limbo.

Back in December, CEO Sundar Pichai announced that remote working capabilities would be extended to September 2021. However, this came with the stipulation that employees would have to work in the office at least three days each week.

“Many companies in Silicon Valley have been actively encouraging presenteeism for years now with beds, restaurants and even gyms, but it’s an outdated metric for technical staff productivity,” said Martin Biggs, VP and GM of Spinnaker Support. “Our definition of productivity has to change from clock-watching and time-in-office to actual outputs. The biggest mistake I see is organisations trying to apply old strategies to an entirely new situation.”