Google to reopen offices from July 6, will give employees working from home Rs 75K allowance
by ReutersHighlights
- Google will reopen buildings in more cities at roughly 10% of their capacity beginning July 6
- Plans to scale it up to 30% by September
- The tech giant expects most of its employees to largely work from home for the remainder of the year.
Alphabet Inc's Google said on Tuesday it would reopen buildings in more cities at roughly 10% of their capacity beginning July 6 and scale it up to 30% in September, if conditions permit.
Google and its peer Facebook Inc had allowed their employees to work from home in early March following tough government-mandated restrictions to contain the coronavirus.
Google said on Tuesday it would give each employee an allowance of $1,000, or the equivalent value in their country, to expense necessary equipment and office furniture, as it expects most of them to largely work from home for the remainder of the year.
There are a limited number of employees whose roles are needed back in the office this year and they would return on a limited, rotating basis, Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said in a blog post.
Like most companies, Microsoft’s employees are working from home too. And to aid those working remotely, the company has put together a handy “Guide to working from home.” It is a document that Microsoft has created “to provide their employees with guidance, tips, and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak. The company has made this available publicly for other companies to use as a starting point for guiding their employees to work remotely.Here are some interesting tips from the presentation:
Start by identifying a ‘work base’ where your equipment and materials remain undisturbed, even if you shift locations during the day. This is essentially your workstation. Maybe you could even consider personalising it, the way your actual workstation in office is.
Technology is helping as many are moving conversations to virtual meeting rooms, with video calls. You may want to brush up on your video etiquette. For example, check your surroundings. Be aware of what is in view, and try to minimize distractions and protect privacy. Pets and kids may pop in anyway but one lives in hope.
Limit multitasking during meetings. Turning on your video can show that you are paying attention and allow you to focus on the person or people on your call. If the option is available, blur your background to reduce distractions.
In a virtual setting it is hard to tell when it’s polite to interject and when it’s not. If you are the team lead, make sure there’s time and opportunity for all voices to be heard. Perhaps intervene if any one person seems to be dominating the conversation for too long.
We may be social distancing but we sure miss socialising. So make up for missing hallway talk or connecting in the kitchenette or café by using chat messages or calling. Set yourself a reminder to check in with people regularly. Perhaps take a coffee break separately but together. Keep up the rituals.
It can be a challenge to switch ‘off’ from work when you don’t leave the office—or switch ‘on’ your workday when you don’t leave the house. If needed, set clear intentions about work time and home time to avoid burnout or being ‘always on.