Zoom’s EMEA head defends new hybrid strategy
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Communications technology firm Zoom, the brand synonymous with remote meetings, is embracing a hybrid work model and asking employees to report to the office two days a week.
Frederik Maris, Zoom’s first head of EMEA, explained that this decision is influenced by other companies implementing hybrid work arrangements.
“But because the world is becoming more hybrid, it’s increasingly important for us to experience what it is to be hybrid too,” Maris stated.
This move allows Zoom to understand the dynamic of virtual calls better when part of the team is physically present in a meeting room, thus better catering to customer needs.
Although the change seems minor—increasing office days from one to two for staff residing within 50 miles of an office—it has garnered mixed reactions internally.
Maris revealed, “In locations where we don’t have an office, people are clamoring for us to open one.” The company also recalibrated its approach for the Amsterdam office, aligning work schedules to ensure clearer employee benefits.
Zoom’s emphasis on hybrid working was further highlighted with the recent inauguration of its 15,000 square-foot London office in Holborn, expected to accommodate up to 80 UK staff regularly.
Maris stressed the importance of in-person interactions, adding that improving employee engagement is crucial.
Despite giants like Amazon and Google enforcing stricter in-office mandates, Maris envisions a balance.
“Businesses should keep in mind that a lot of the work is still going to be done virtually,” he concluded.
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