Zoom drags workers back to the office

Virgin Radio

8 Aug 2023, 12:20

Credit: zoom.us/ Getty

Zoom, the word when in remote working, has ironically ordered its staff to return to the office, but why?

Despite helping millions work from home during the pandemic, the tech company has decided to adopt a "structured hybrid approach" and is asking employees living within 50 miles (80 km) of an office to work in person at least twice a week.

This change reflects a broader trend among major firms, including Amazon and Disney, to scale back remote work policies.

The move has been met with surprise given Zoom's role in promoting remote work.

The new policy will be implemented in August and September on a staggered timeline, and the company aims to "hire the best talent, regardless of location."

Zoom currently employs around 8,400 people, with more than half based in the US.

People remote working

Credit: Getty

About 200 people currently work for Zoom in the UK, where it just opened a new London office.

This shift back to the office is in line with the tech industry's growing concern about the downsides of fully remote work, such as employee disconnection and the financial cost of maintaining office spaces while still hiring locally.

"We'll continue to leverage the entire Zoom platform to keep our employees and dispersed teams connected and working efficiently," Zoom said.

Only about 1% of the company's workers had "regular office presences" in September 2022, while 75% lived remotely and the remainder had hybrid arrangements, the Wall Street Journal reported at the time.

Recent studies have also shown benefits to in-person work, including improved feedback and networking opportunities, proving particularly beneficial to junior employees looking to further their career.

Zoom's growth has slowed significantly since the height of the pandemic, with its shares dropping from over $500 in October 2020 to around $68 currently.

In response to the slowdown, the company announced a staff reduction of 15% and significant pay cuts for top executives.

The decision to have employees return to the office is seen as a strategic move to remain competitive in the face of increasing competition from rivals like Microsoft, who have been enhancing their video conferencing offerings.

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