Learn about Microsoft’s policy of working from home forever … Flexibility...

Microsoft said earlier this month that it will introduce a new flexible work policy that opens the door to forever remote work for some employees, even after the company reopens the physical offices, as it clarifies the internal documents it reviewed. Business Insider How this policy works.

One of the documents states: “Leadership in a flexible work environment is a skill and ability and we can all benefit from the continuous investment in learning and development.”

The documents show that under the new policy, most employees will be free to set more flexible working hours and work remotely for less than 50% of their hours each week without the need for approval. This arrangement is now considered a “standard for most jobs,” according to the documents, but “it may vary according to To job requirements. “

One document states: “Microsoft employees have the option to work from home for less than 50% of their work time (on average), depending on the job requirements, but certain types of work may require more consistent time or a regular schedule on site or in person,” she declined. Microsoft Commentary on its previous announcement.

While this is a more flexible policy than most companies offered in the size of Microsoft, there are still limits, as remote work requires more than 50% of the time, part-time work, and relocation requires administrative approval, and the transfer may come with an adjustment in wages, This can be higher or lower depending on the cost of living.

“The manager determines and communicates the degree of flexibility of the work site available based on the organizational guidelines and the specific requirements of the role,” says one document.

Meanwhile, employees who work remotely for less than 50% of the time may be allocated space in the local Microsoft office, and employees who receive approval to work remotely will not be allocated an office space for more than 50% of the time, but they will have the option to use something. Microsoft calls it “landing space” and they can use home office equipment with the manager’s approval.

It should also be noted that in cases of high employee salaries, managers must confirm that they have the budget available to approve the transfer, and if approved, Microsoft will not cover the costs of transporting employees, and the manager will specify travel expectations to a Microsoft office and whether the company will cover Any travel expenses.

Microsoft may also allow some employees to move to a different country, but it says “there are important implications to consider first,” such as immigration policies and corporate taxes.

Compensation for employees who receive approval to work part-time will be adjusted based on working hours, and Microsoft called in internal documents for managers and employees to learn everything and build their capabilities in a mixed work environment, indicating that the flexible work policy may evolve over time.

The documents also urge managers to keep meetings focused, ensure that remote workers are able to videoconfer, and are clear about which events will benefit from physical versus virtual sharing.

The policy is in line with the vision set forth by CEO Satya Nadella earlier this year for the post-pandemic workplace, to make the shift to remote work permanent and “replace one belief with another,” as Nadella in July painted a picture of a post-pandemic world. COVID-19 Where companies evaluate the effectiveness of remote work for different commercial roles and functions, then leave the physical space for employees.