Fast Company Premium: What Airbnb learned after a year of letting employees work from anywhere
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By AJ Hess
Three years ago, Airbnb, like many companies, closed its offices in response to the pandemic. In April 2022, after two years of working remotely—which the company?once described?as “the most productive two-year period in our history”—Airbnb announced a new plan.
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Airbnb’s “Live and Work Anywhere” policy allows the majority of its 6,800-plus employees to live and work in more than 170 countries for up to 90 days a year, maintains the option for employees to work from home
This hybrid plan
Of course the company’s employees are not alone in?working remotely—and while traveling—for prolonged periods of time. According to Airbnb, during the first quarter of 2023, 18% of bookings on its platform were reservations for 28 days or longer, and nearly 50% were for seven days or longer.?One survey?from Go City found that 25% of U.S. workers will prolong a vacation by working remotely; 35% have already taken a “workcation”; and 80% say travel is easier as a remote work
After one year of Airbnb implementing this plan, the company claims it is now the most productive it has ever been. The person behind the plan is Dave Stephenson, CFO and head of employee experience at Airbnb. Stephenson sat down with?Fast Company?to discuss what his team has learned from?working around the world, and what the future world of work looks like.
The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Sales Management, New Business Development Leader, Contract Furniture, Healthcare/Education Technology & Pharmacy Automation
1 年Great article. Airbnb is one of the few companies that valued the lessons it learned during the pandemic and continues to allow its employees to be as productive as possible. Unfortunately most large companies with their weak leadership and shortsighted philosophy have gone back to the old ways of enforcing their employees to be in a office and endure a massive loss of productivity.
Innovating in the field of social exploration, utilizing immersive experiences that elicit creative responses, unexpected encounters, and new discoveries, offering adventures into our shared humanity.
1 年The speed of trust!
I have worked from home for 20 years. I found tremendous flexibility and productivity working from home. I recently joined a company that requires working in office two days a week. I find a unique productivity to have everyone in the office and I get more done. I believe there is no "absolute" and has to be considered and decided on a case by case basis.
Healthcare Executive | Podcaster
1 年It shows that Airbnb has adapted to the changing work landscape by embracing remote work and providing employees with the flexibility to combine work with travel. It underscores the potential benefits of remote work in terms of productivity and the freedom to explore new destinations while remaining engaged in professional responsibilities.
Realtor Associate @ Next Trend Realty LLC | HAR REALTOR, IRS Tax Preparer
1 年Thanks for Sharing.