The way we work has changed drastically in the last few years, and even more so since the outbreak of the pandemic. Remote and flexible working has become the new norm, and many companies have adopted this way of working to keep their businesses running. Let’s look at how remote and flexible working has changed the way we work, and why some companies have made this a permanent policy.
3M
3M, an American multinational conglomerate, has been a pioneer in various industries since its inception in 1902. Headquartered in Minnesota, U.S., the company focuses on worker safety, healthcare, consumer goods, and more, producing over 60,000 products under numerous brands.
To provide more flexibility to its employees, 3M India launched their trust-based “Work Your Way” policy, which allows employees to create their own schedules and choose when and where they work most effectively. This move means that 3M India employees can work from anywhere they choose and are not restricted to working from a specific location.
The policy gives employees three options to choose from:
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Employees can choose to work onsite at any of 3M's locations.
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Or can opt for a hybrid work model and choose which days they work onsite or offsite.
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Finally, employees can work remotely from home or any other location within the country.
By adopting this flexible working approach, 3M India has created an environment that allows its employees to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively. This policy is a great example of how companies can adapt to changing work cultures and keep their employees motivated and satisfied.
TATA Steel
Tata Steel, one of India's largest steel producers based in Jamshedpur, has operations in over 26 countries and an estimated workforce of 80,500 employees worldwide. The company's headquarters have now moved to Mumbai, Maharashtra.
During the pandemic, Tata Steel introduced a work-from-home model that allowed most of its employees to work from home. In 2021, they launched a new initiative called 'FlexiWork,' which allows employees to work from home or from any location of their choice. As the pandemic subsided, Tata Steel announced its adoption of the Agile Working Model, which offers employees greater flexibility. Under this model, Tata Steel employees can now choose to work from home permanently for up to 365 days. Even officers who are typically required to work out of a specific location can work from home for the number of days specified in the policy.
By offering such a flexible work environment, Tata Steel has shown its commitment to its employees' well-being while ensuring that business operations continue without interruption. This initiative has allowed TATA Steel to attract and retain talent and has also improved productivity as employees are able to work in an environment that suits them best.
Swiggy
Swiggy, the popular Indian food delivery company that has become ubiquitous, has also adopted remote and flexible working. It announced its "future of work" policy, offering its employees the flexibility to work from anywhere as of July 29, 2022. The company has made changes to most of its workforce roles to accommodate this policy.
After receiving feedback from its employees, Swiggy made the decision to offer this work-from-anywhere model, providing its employees with the freedom to work from any location. The company's employees currently work across 487 cities, spanning 27 cities in four union territories.
Swiggy plans to organize quarterly meetups for all its employees to ensure they stay connected and motivated, despite working remotely. This policy is an excellent example of how companies can incorporate their employees' feedback and embrace the new normal by offering flexible work options. This has also helped Swiggy reduce its office space requirements and other expenses while allowing them to scale its business.
Spotify
Swedish audio streaming giant, Spotify, has embraced remote and flexible working, allowing employees to work from anywhere in the world.
‘We give our people the freedom to work where they work best, wherever that may be.’
They believe that some people work better at the office while others are more productive at home, and understand the need for flexibility and options. They say, ‘We recognise that one-desk-doesn’t-fit-all!’
Spotify's culture values creativity, innovation, and flexibility, with its work-from-anywhere policy being a fundamental aspect of this culture. This policy enables employees to work from any location, regardless of their role or location, and promotes work-life balance. By adopting a work-from-anywhere policy, Spotify has demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing employee well-being, while fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. The company's policy serves as an excellent example of how businesses can adapt to the new normal by offering their employees greater flexibility in their work arrangements.
Zerodha
Zerodha, an Indian online stockbroking company, has embraced remote work by introducing a new policy that allows 90% of its employees to work from home permanently. The company's flexible work policy is designed to provide employees with greater autonomy, work-life balance, and a sense of well-being.
The policy's introduction comes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted many companies to reevaluate their work policies and prioritize employee health and safety. Zerodha's policy allows employees to work from anywhere, making it easier for them to manage their work and personal commitments. This policy also enables the company to save on infrastructure and overhead costs while reducing its carbon footprint. By embracing remote work, Zerodha has demonstrated its commitment to employee well-being, while also fostering a culture of innovation and flexibility.
How To Implement Flexibility In Your Organization
While all this sounds great, one might think that only large organizations can offer flexibility to their employees and it might be challenging to do it as a startup or a small business.
But if you are a small business or startup looking to implement a remote or flexible work policy, there are several steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.
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Communicate: Firstly, it's important to communicate clearly with your employees about the changes you plan to make. You should explain the benefits of remote and flexible working, and how it will help your business grow. You should also address any concerns your employees may have, and be open to feedback and suggestions.
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Set Expectations: Secondly, you should establish clear guidelines and expectations for remote and flexible working. This includes setting up a system for tracking employee hours, establishing communication protocols, and setting expectations for productivity.
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Technology: Thirdly, you should invest in the right technology and tools to support remote and flexible working. This includes investing in video conferencing software, project management tools, and other technologies that will help your employees stay connected and productive.
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Tracking & Monitoring: Finally, it's important to evaluate the success of your remote and flexible work policy regularly. This includes tracking employee productivity, conducting surveys to gather feedback, and making adjustments as needed.
By following these steps, you can implement a successful remote and flexible work policy in your small business or startup, and reap the benefits that come with this way of working.
Conclusion
Remote and flexible working has become the new norm, and many companies have adopted this way of working to keep their businesses running. The four examples we have looked at - Twitter, TATA Steel, Swiggy, and Spotify - have all embraced remote and flexible working in different ways, and have reaped the benefits of this way of working. While there are challenges associated with remote and flexible working, the benefits far outweigh the challenges, and it is likely that remote and flexible working will become even more.
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