"Welcome to Your Commute" The Office Comes Alive [Jjinbit]

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Google employees who started returning to the office from the 4th after working remotely were told by the company to "take a break." The message was that time spent in the office should not only focus on increasing productivity but also be enjoyed. The New York Times (NYT) reported that to create a lively atmosphere, the company held a pop star Lizzo concert and pop-up events. It was a scene where the company warmly welcomed employees who came to the office.

This atmosphere is not limited to Google. According to the NYT on the 15th (local time), U.S. semiconductor company Qualcomm also began returning to the office last week. CEO Cristiano Amon held a happy hour event at the San Diego office, distributing free food, drinks, and T-shirts to thousands of employees. Microsoft (MS), which declared its office return earlier in February, also held welcome events, providing free food such as pizza, sandwiches, chicken, and even Korean cuisine, along with beverages like beer and wine to greet employees.

The reason companies warmly welcome employees returning to the office after remote work is partly because they were happy to see colleagues they hadn’t met during COVID-19, but in fact, there is an intention to soothe employees' minds. In an era where companies have to explain "why employees should come to work," they aim to make employees enjoy the office and feel positive about coming in. Adam Kalinsky, a professor at Columbia University, said, "These celebrations and perks acknowledge the fact that employees do not want to return to the office," adding that companies are choosing 'carrots' over 'sticks.'

Office Transformation 'Grand Operation'... "Make Them Want to Come to Work"

Companies have revamped their offices. They are making large-scale investments. They have not given up on the necessity of offices. Google announced it will invest $9.5 billion (about 11.6 trillion KRW) this year alone to expand offices and data centers in the U.S. This means they are seeking changes such as acquiring new offices and expanding campuses. Meta Platforms, Facebook’s parent company, and MS have also revamped their campuses. Meta opened the world’s first remote work space in Spain, providing convenient office spaces for employees who need an office while working remotely.

Meta's Spain office (Photo by Meta)

Some offices have been uniquely redesigned. One example is Citigroup’s London office. According to Business Insider, the entire building was remodeled. Previously, it was filled with individual desks and lacked meeting rooms, with walls blocking spaces. Now, they created personal spaces, meeting rooms, collaborative areas, and relaxation zones, with movable walls. They also built an indoor garden to enhance employee well-being and provide a comfortable resting place.

JP Morgan, whose CEO Jamie Dimon has strongly opposed remote work, announced on the 14th that its new 60-story global headquarters to be built in Manhattan will include many amenities such as yoga, cycling rooms, and meditation spaces. According to Bloomberg, JP Morgan had planned in 2018 to demolish a 52-story building and construct a modern high-rise. They declared that the space, to be completed by the end of 2025, will include facilities for employees.

Are Politicians the Ones Eager for Office Returns?

Who will welcome the return to the office? First and foremost, local small business owners near office areas. Have you ever thought politicians would welcome office returns? When the economy centered around offices revives, small business owners such as restaurant owners in office-dense areas and real estate agents, who were hit by COVID-19, will smile as the economy recovers. Then politicians who aimed to revive the local economy will also smile along.

Photo by Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, posted on his Twitter on the 9th

U.S. President Joe Biden said early last month when announcing the with-COVID strategy, "As Americans return to workplaces and refill great downtowns," adding, "Those working remotely can safely return to the office." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of Americans aged 16 and over working remotely dropped from 23% in February last year to 15.4% last January. Will this rate drop further and downtowns fill up as President Biden hopes?

Eric Adams, mayor of New York, where many offices are concentrated, has continuously emphasized the necessity of office attendance, saying, "You can't stay home in pajamas all day." Boston city offers food trucks, free coffee, and music performances in some business districts. This strategy aims to attract remote workers and tourists to downtown to revitalize the area. Ultimately, this shows that the issue of returning to the office, i.e., changes in work styles, is connected not only to employees and companies but also to local communities.

"Glad to see many employees back on campus." Qualcomm CEO Amon posted a photo smiling brightly with employees on his Twitter on the 9th. It will be interesting to observe whether the majority of employees who wanted remote or hybrid work will feel the need to come to the office and voluntarily return, thanks to these efforts, and the subtle changes that may follow.

Editor's Note[Jjinbit] is short for 'Jeong Hyunjin's Business Trend' and 'Real Business Trend,' a corner that shows trends in corporate management such as organizational culture and HR systems. The emergence of the MZ generation, the expansion of remote work due to COVID-19, and digital innovation all require innovation in organizational culture. Based on various overseas news and analyses that have not been highlighted before, we will deliver fresh and differentiated information and perspectives.