According to a report by CNBC, Google is set to enforce stricter office attendance policies, tracking employee presence and urging remote workers to consider a hybrid work schedule. The tech giant updated its hybrid work policy, which now includes monitoring office badge attendance, addressing employees who aren’t adhering to their scheduled office days, and incorporating attendance into performance reviews.
In an internal email, Google’s Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi reportedly emphasized the importance of in-person collaboration, stating that “there’s just no substitute for coming together in person.” She highlighted that many of the products unveiled at recent events were conceived, developed, and built by teams working side by side.
The company expects most employees to be present in physical offices at least three days a week. Those who consistently fail to adhere to this requirement will receive reminders from their teams. Cicconi even encouraged already-approved remote workers living near a Google office to consider switching to a hybrid work schedule, emphasizing that the office environment is where they’ll feel most connected to Google’s community.
The company will track employee adherence to office attendance using badge data in the U.S., with executives currently reviewing local requirements for implementation in other countries. Employees who consistently fail to follow the policy may face discussions about “next steps” with HR.
Cicconi stated that fully remote work will be granted “by exception only.” This policy update represents Google’s most stringent attempt to return employees to physical offices.
In a statement to CNBC, Google spokesperson Ryan Lamont said that the company’s hybrid approach aims to combine the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of working from home. He added that the badge data viewed by company leaders is aggregated and not individualized.
On June 2, 2023, we reported that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, had announced a new work policy requiring employees to return to the office for at least three days a week starting in September.
Featured Image Credit: Google
