GeekWire recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, with a party and ribbon cutting ceremony. The event was attended by business leaders, sponsors, members, and representatives from the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. The new office space, previously a coffee shop and residence, provided a sunny deck for drinks, appetizers, and conversations among the attendees. The occasion also provided an opportunity to discuss how companies are adapting to remote and in-person work post-COVID.
Guests at the event shared insights into their company’s policies regarding in-person work. Perry Atkins, from Baird, mentioned that his team operates on a two days in-person policy, which has been well-received by employees. Shannon Swift of Swift HR Solutions discussed how companies are still navigating the balance between remote and in-person work, with factors like work nature, company culture, and employee experience level influencing onsite policies. Alison Beason from the Washington State Department of Commerce highlighted the benefits of remote work, such as increased representation from different areas across the state.
Todd Owens, the CEO of Kevala, shared that his startup has a split schedule where employees work in the office from Tuesday to Thursday and from home on Mondays and Fridays. This balance allows for collaboration and brainstorming in the office, while providing focused work time at home. Jon Prentice from Silicon Valley Bank mentioned that his team enjoys coming together in the office a few days a week, but also values flexibility in work hours. Adam Chapman and Blair Stern from JLL emphasized the importance of human connection and collaboration in the office, as well as the appeal of onsite amenities for employees.
Overall, the event showcased the varying approaches that companies are taking towards remote and in-person work post-pandemic. While some are embracing remote work for its flexibility and increased representation, others are prioritizing the benefits of in-person collaboration and connection. The discussions at the GeekWire event highlighted the need for organizations to find a balance that works for their employees and business operations, taking into consideration factors like work nature, company culture, and employee preferences. The move towards hybrid work models is likely to continue evolving as companies navigate the changing landscape of work post-COVID.
