Siemens to let staff “Work From Anywhere” permanently where they are most productive
Reuters| Germany’s Siemens (SIEGn.DE) has decided to let its employees work from wherever they want for two or three days a week, in the latest example of how the coronavirus is making major companies re-think how and where their staff work.
The Munich-based trains to industrial software maker said its board had approved a new working model which will allow employees to work from where they are most productive, including at home or from a co-working space.
“The aim is to enable employees worldwide to work on a mobile basis for an average of two or three days a week, whenever reasonable and feasible,” Siemens said in a statement.
“These changes will also be associated with a different leadership style, one that focuses on outcomes rather than on time spent at the office,” said incoming Chief Executive Roland Busch.
Technology companies such as Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) have been taking the lead on a permanent shift that is gaining traction in other industries as firms seek cost reductions or employee convenience – or both.
Siemens, which is the first large German company to make permanent changes to how it organises how staff work, said the new model will apply to more than 140,000 employees at around 125 locations in 43 countries.
I liked the fact that how concern the company is for their employees.They value the health and productiveness of employees.I believe that this will be very fun to work with this company.It will be honur for me if I could work in this company.thak you .
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On the surface this sounds good. However, we would be naive to think the salaries will remain the same for a 2-3 day workweek as opposed to a 5 day workweek. This is really just another massive cost cutting measure carried out on the backs of the workforce, who are virtual indentured servants. Modern day feudalism model. Impoverishment of the working masses to the benefit of the few aristocrats.
This is not a 2-3 day work week, it is working remotely 2-3 days and then potentially in offices / collaboration space for the remainder. Whilst is may save money it isn’t designed to save money on the salary bill.
A lot of companies will eventually reach this conclusion and it wont be because of its employees, it will be because they can minimize real estate space which will reduce overhead costs. They will push/maximize open designs where people share their office space to facilitate working 2/3 days a week from home.
Well, this sounds great at first sight but everyone who is celebrating that trend should definitely think through the whole consequences. Every step and every decision comes with advantages and disadvantages and I really appreciate the general trend to re-think the home office situation. Permanently working from home will lead to a permanent monitoring of your work and to a more result driven leading style which end up in more pressure and optimization. Working from home means you save quite a lot of time avoiding travel time to the office but on the other hand you habe plenty more time for work. The lack of personal contacts will make you sick and can’t be replaced by video conferences on a long term. Humans are made to interact socially and not via tools, the need personal interaction on a regular basis as well as to maintain relationships.
It’s also a big downside for the companies because the communication between colleagues and teams are decreasing and will become ineffective and inefficient. Of course the companies can save quite a lot of money with reducing office spaces on a short term but how much they are gonna lose on a long term?
M.G. You bring up some very good/valid points that are truly worth considering. While the work from anywhere situation is ideal, it also brings with it many downsides, that some may not fully realize until WFA becomes more and more prevalent. It is difficult to ‘turn off,’ or ‘exit work’ when working from home/anywhere; and interaction with others on a more personal level is definitely being missed. I appreciate your insight!
It is nice to see some company can be so concern with employees well being. I wish I could work for this company, Thanks
Scot…It doesnt say the work week will be cut, it says that they can work 2-3 days remotely….I believe they still will be working 5 days but they’re giving their employees flex time
That sounds like ti could have come from us at InZynch! Effective leadership manages outcomes, not activity.
We have worked like that and helped other organizations work like that, for over ten years now, and I can vouch it’s the best way to get rid of perceptions, assumptions and busy-work.
Outcome-based leadership also leads to stress-free leadership and teamwork. I personally can tell you to the day what outcomes each member of my team is programming to deliver this week, and when. THAT is what really matters.
This is not something new. It might be the first time Siemens is introducing this. Most IT staff in banks do allow staff to work from home 2 to 3 days a week. The key is 2 to 3 days a week. It would be really novel if it stated staff can work for indefinite period from home – that would open up questions such as can staff be working form another country!
This initiative provides autonomy and flexibility & really gives every option available to the employee. This initiative is a necessity within the current constraints. Everyone has to adapt to the new working climate & continue with project-related activities & show results even with significant challenges. Great news !!
I believe the 2-3 days from home (or the coffee shop or wherever) is a good one but just as good is the 1-2 days coming into the office to stay connected. I agree with your concerns on “results driven”. I also think too much time at home begins to blur the home/work line with is already a problem. The more you bring the office into your home, the less “home” is your sanctuary from work….
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[…] productivity decline, and hence many are now moving permanently to a “work from anywhere” mode. Siemens just announced that 140,000 of its employees can now work from anywhere, as did Twitter, Shopify, […]
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In fact, I find that I do more work at home, but at the same time it can be a true blessing for a healthy relationship between your home life and your work life.