Microsoft Leads Workplace Culture With New Rules, Employees Will Be Able To Work From Home Permanently

Software maker Microsoft announced Friday that it will allow more employees to work from home permanently.

In a notice to employees, Kathleen Hogan, Microsoft’s director of human resources, said, “The new Coronavirus pandemic has challenged everyone and forced us to think, live and work in new ways.”

Microsoft will allow employees to work from home on their own for less than half of the week, while allowing permanent teleworking through manager approval. Employees who choose to permanently telework will give up their assigned space in the office, however, will still have the option of using the Microsoft Office meet-up location.

However, there are still some jobs that require the use of the office, including those that require access to hardware labs, data centers, and on-site training.

Permanent telecommuters may relocate domestically or even internationally with approval, but pay and benefits will vary based on the company’s regional payroll categories.

Microsoft will pay home office expenses for permanent remote workers, but anyone who decides to leave a Microsoft office will be required to pay out-of-pocket relocation expenses. Individual office hours will also be flexible without manager approval.