As the number of Covid-19 cases continues to climb in the US, companies are constantly seeking alternatives for their employees’ work arrangements.

Similar to Singapore, working from home is an option for the majority.

According to an announcement from Microsoft yesterday, the tech giant is exploring more flexible work arrangements for their employees, some of which include working from home on a longer.

According to The Verge, Microsoft has allowed their employees to work from home since March 2020, and won’t be planning to fully reopen their US offices until at least January 2021.

So what’ll happen after that?

Exploring More Flexibility in Work Arrangements

In the announcement shared by Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Ms Kathleen Hogan, she mentioned that the pandemic has raised questions about what employees can expect in the future.

The company’s goal is to offer as much flexibility as possible to support individual workstyles, while at the same time balancing business needs.

To this, the tech giant has provided some guidelines to their employees in terms of three main aspects: Work site, working hours and location:

So here’s the thing: Microsoft will now allow employees to work from home for less than 50% of their working week, or for managers to approve permanent remote work.

Ms Hogan said, “For now, returning to many of our offices around the world is still optional for employees, except for essential onsite roles.”

It was also mentioned that the company recognizes that some employees are required to be onsite, for instance, those who require access to hardware labs.

For those who opt for permanent remote work option, the employees will give up their assigned office space.

However, employees still have the option to use spaces available at Microsoft’s offices.

And here’s something we hope the Goody Feed boss will read: Microsoft will be covering home office expenses for permanent remote workers.

Options Provided for Employees to Relocate But Subject to Approval

As Microsoft has offices all around the world, the country at which an employee is working at is also taken into consideration by the management.

While the company allows employees to move across countries for remote work, however, compensation and benefits will vary based on each individual country’s own requirements, such as role requirements and personal tax.

Work schedule flexibility is now considered standard for most roles. Employees can also request for part-time work arrangements through their managers, subject to approval.

In other words, it’s all flexible lah.

Other Companies which are also Exploring Flexible Work Arrangements

Employees from other companies such as Facebook and Google can also heave a sigh of relief, as they’re also exploring the option of flexible work arrangements.

According to Tech Crunch, Facebook and Google are allowing employees to work from home till July 2021.

The decision to move towards remote work is based on internal discussions, as well as guidance from health and Government experts.

So for all you know, your grandkids might just say this to you in 2060: “Granny, last time you all work must go office one ah?”

Yes, working styles might have changed but Singlish will remain. Watch this video to the end and you’ll understand (and please subscribe to our YouTube channel for more informative & entertaining videos!):