Google (GOOGL.O), a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL.O), has seen an increase in the number of employees coming into its offices each week, notably younger people, according to the company’s real estate chief.
Due to worries about the Omicron variant, Google pushed out the mandatory return date for staff indefinitely on Thursday. The corporation has stated that its 150,000 global employees could be compelled to report to work as early as January 10.
Nonetheless, Google’s vice president of real estate and workplace services, David Radcliffe, stated that many Googlers are returning on their own accord. In recent weeks, about 40% of its U.S. employees come to work on a daily basis, up from 20% to 25% three months ago, he added. He noted that around the world, 5% more employees are returning to work week after week.
“People are willingly indicating that they wish to return to work,” Radcliffe said. “We’re heading in the right direction,” says the narrator.
Younger employees and those who have recently joined Google have been coming in at a larger rate, looking for opportunities to learn from their peers, according to Radcliffe.
Once a new return date is mandated, Google expects employees to be in the office at least three days each week.
It is rethinking floor designs to boost private, quiet spaces for distraction-free individual work and introducing conferencing and other collaboration facilities in open spaces both indoors and outdoors, based on feedback from individuals who have already returned.
Real estate and human resources experts have considered Google a trailblazer for the past 20 years in sustainable office design and a variety of workplace perks, including free meals, massages, and gyms.
To extend those sustainability and wellness benefits to remote work, Google has encouraged employees to buy carbon offsets and non-toxic furniture for their home offices. It also has provided free cooking classes and discounts to fitness studios near workers’ homes.
“It was amazing how many employees had really never cooked themselves,” Radcliffe said.
