Spotify Goes All-In on Its Remote Work Policy, No RTO Mandates

While most employers are fighting their employees’ will to work remotely, some companies are choosing to embrace flexibility. While Amazon, Meta, Dell, and even the DOL have demanded that employees return to in-person work, Spotify has doubled down on its remote work policy. “You can’t spend a lot of time hiring grown-ups and then treat them like children,” Spotify HR Chief Katarina Berg said in an interview with Raconteur, reiterating the company’s commitment to keeping away from RTO mandates.

Spotify’s decision to go all-in on remote work has received support from employees and outsiders alike, but Berg understands why some companies are returning to what is familiar to them. After all, remote work does have its downsides, and it’s hard to argue for it when quiet vacationing trends and the like make employers question whether employees are truly committed to productivity. 

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Spotify’s Remote Work Policy Is a Sign That Flexibility Is a Viable Option

Since 2021, Spotify’s popular “work from anywhere” policy has been well-regarded by its employees. The policy has allowed its employees to choose where they worked and how they attended to their tasks as long as there was an office in the area. This allowed workers to drop in when they preferred to make the most of some of the in-office experiences promoted by the organization. 

Spotify’s flexible work policy has stemmed from its business that has been “digital since birth,” but that isn’t the only reason why they have such a remote-first policy. The organization has stated that its attrition rates have been 15% lower in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the same period the previous year. 

“We make sure we contribute, communicate, and collaborate on equal terms regardless of where we work from. And we value involvement and engagement wherever we’re based. From regular check-ins as a team to actively engaging in the wider Spotify community, there’s always opportunities to connect whether you’re working at home or at the office.”

—Spotify’s Work From Anywhere program

Happy employees are more likely to stay with their employer and with remote work being one of the most sought-after benefits in the last few years, it’s no surprise that its employees are satisfied with staying on at their jobs. 

Spotify Reports the Many Benefits of Shifting to the “Work from Anywhere” Model

Spotify’s decision to say no to an RTO mandate has also stemmed from the fact that it has seen greater diversity numbers in its workforce since the change of policy. While many organizations are struggling with uncertainty around their commitment to DEI policies, diverse candidates have found Spotify themselves. 

The lack of geographical barriers and the improved flexibility make it more viable for more candidates to apply. The company also reports a 6-day drop in the time it takes them to hire candidates for open roles. 

Productivity levels, which are the main reason other organizations are pushing for an end to remote work or a shift to a hybrid model at the least, have not been affected by the organization.

Spotify’s Remote Work Statement Suggests the Decision Is Not Without Its Challenges

Spotify’s remote work policy isn’t always easy to stand by. The company admitted that there were challenges to ensuring that employees felt connected despite only ever seeing each other online. Collaborating in a virtual environment is undoubtedly harder, but the company still doesn’t believe that forcing employees to come in to work is the right solution.

Instead, Spotify invests resources in trying to make the workplace fun and inviting to its workers, hosting “listening lounge” sessions where they can listen to music as a team. Employees are encouraged to come to the office during the “core week” to see each other in person, connect, and work on strategy. 

This adds a more voluntary tone to in-office attendance and workers who do not attend the events are not punished for their absence. Occasionally meeting in person is desirable to most employees, even those who prefer being remote, and this likely motivates more of them to come in for the social aspect of work at the least.  

Last December, the company conducted its biggest round of layoffs, eliminating around 1,500 members of its workforce. The decision came as a shock to employees, but at the time, the company felt it was necessary as they had too many employees who weren’t directly contributing to the central work of the organization. Unfortunately, the layoffs affected the company’s operations quite significantly for a period, but it eventually found its footing again.

As employers and employees remain at war with each other on the topic of working from home, Spotify’s remote work policy shows us that there is a way for organizations to function even without switching to in-person work full-time.

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