Remote and hybrid workplaces remain the norm at most U.S. tech companies, and many employees are reveling in their newfound freedom and improved work-life balance.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, just 6 percent of Americans worked fully remote jobs, according to Zippia. Today, that number has risen to 16 percent, with 66 percent of U.S. employees participating in at least some part-time remote work.
Despite its challenges, working remotely yields a number of notable benefits. According to Zippia, 75 percent of employees reported experiencing a better work-life balance as a result of remote work. Many in the study also named advantages such as reduced stress, decreased absenteeism and improved morale.
While remote and hybrid models may vary across companies, they all bring a greater degree of flexibility for employees. At Xealth, the remote-first environment enables Paige Stocks to visit her family in the Midwest — and one time, even take a five-day trip to Spain — all while on the clock. At Ookla, the company’s remote-friendly schedule and understanding managers help Hillari Mohler juggle her professional responsibilities with caring for her kindergarten-aged son.
These featured leaders sat down with Built In Seattle to share the inside scoop on their companies’ hybrid models and discuss how they’re maximizing the benefits of flexible schedules.
Ookla is a software company that focuses on improving connectivity and customer network experiences.
What are the details of Ookla’s hybrid model, and what do you enjoy most about it?
At Ookla, we strive to support our team members in maintaining a healthy and successful work-life balance. We encourage employees to establish work practices that fit into their lifestyles because we understand the impact of well-being on productivity, creativity and overall job satisfaction.
Recently, we implemented a “Flex Fridays” policy for all employees. This policy aims to reduce meetings and make space for focus time, career development and personal needs, thus creating a more balanced work week. While each team has varied demands that impact how this policy is implemented, our goal is for all employees to find sustainable improvements to their work-life-balance and feel supported in approaching work in ways that are most impactful for them as individuals.
I enjoy the flexibility of working remotely and having access to an office for when our team needs time together. I am grateful that I can work a schedule that best accommodates my life.
How has your flexible schedule helped you maintain a better work-life balance?
Even when I joined Ookla in 2017, it was a remote-friendly and flexible company. When I first started, I was a new mom with a four-month-old baby, and I was allowed to work a schedule that best suited my family. This looked like working from home on Mondays and Fridays and leaving the office at 3:30 p.m. so I could catch the train and be home by 5 p.m.
On nights when the baby was up all night, I felt supported and empowered to rest first and work later. As my family grew and the juggling act became more challenging, I knew I could be successful at Ookla because they accepted my whole self — as a human, employee and mom.
An understanding team, approachable manager and transparent communication supported my ability to work and take care of my family. It was never a rigid 9-to-5 schedule, and it continues to be a results-based work environment.
I knew I could be successful at Ookla because they accepted my whole self — as a human, employee and mom.”
What positive impacts has this flexible schedule had on your team and the ways you connect with others?
Knowing that all employees can utilize “Flex Fridays,” I feel comfortable using the benefit for any immediate needs. Some days, this looks like knocking out the final pages of my work presentation. Other days, it looks like crayons, glue and a couple dozen smiling kindergartners staring at me as I volunteer in my son’s classroom.
Xealth’s platform helps clinicians find digital health tools and programs for their patients.
What are the details of Xealth’s hybrid model, and what do you most enjoy about it?
Prior to the pandemic, we had a few remote employees, but most folks were based in Seattle and came into the office every day. Now, Xealth is a remote-first work environment and retains a smaller office space at Smith Tower. The office space is open for local employees to use on a daily basis, but employees may decide whether they want to work from there or from their homes.
Our space is also used for companywide quarterly meetings, which is a great way to get remote teams together for collaboration. I enjoy working from the office at least two days a week, and I appreciate having a space to meet with my team and host external companies.
How has your flexible schedule helped you maintain a better work-life balance?
One of the big advantages of hybrid work is that I can work from home or from anywhere. I’ve been able to travel to the Midwest to visit family while still maintaining my work schedule. In October, I coordinated adjusted hours with my boss so I could work from Spain for five days.
In a sense, hybrid work allows me to be in two places at once. I can work from home during the day and explore new places in the evening.
In a sense, hybrid work allows me to be in two places at once. I can work from home during the day and explore new places in the evening.”
What positive impacts has this flexible schedule had on your team and the ways you connect with others?
When my team is solving problems, it’s so helpful to have an in-office day — or, as we call it, a “work from work day” — during which we can use the whiteboard and collaborate in person.
Xealth had remote employees prior to the pandemic, but our remote-first hybrid model helps us better engage those employees and all of our new remote employees. We know we have to invest in virtual activities and identify opportunities for in-person work to facilitate team-building and cross-team collaboration.
We turned our pre-pandemic office game nights into virtual trivia and escape rooms, which allows for everyone to be included, whether they are local or not. I have hosted Zoom baby showers for expecting colleagues, which allows them to be comfortable while celebrating an exciting milestone with coworkers.
