• Google implements stricter policies to enforce consistent office attendance.
• The new hybrid work policy includes tracking office badge attendance, addressing non-compliance, and incorporating attendance records into performance reviews.
• Google emphasizes the value of in-person collaboration and encourages remote employees to consider transitioning to a hybrid work schedule.

In a bid to foster a more collaborative work environment, Google has introduced a series of policy updates aimed at ensuring consistent office attendance from its employees. The new hybrid work policy, which came into effect on Wednesday, includes measures such as monitoring office badge attendance, addressing employees who do not adhere to attendance expectations, and incorporating attendance records into performance reviews. This move by Google reflects a shift towards prioritizing in-person collaboration as an essential aspect of productivity.

Internal memos obtained by CNBC reveal that Fiona Cicconi, Google’s chief people officer, emphasized the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction in her communication to employees. “There’s just no substitute for coming together in person,” Cicconi wrote, underscoring the role of physical proximity in driving innovation. She cited recent successful product launches that were the direct result of teams working side by side.

Under the updated policy, employees are expected to be physically present in the office for at least three days each week. Attendance will now be a significant factor in performance evaluations, with teams being responsible for reminding employees who consistently fail to show up. Cicconi encouraged remote employees who reside near Google offices to reconsider their work arrangements and transition to a hybrid schedule, highlighting the benefits of increased connection to the Google community.

According to internal documents, remote workers who were previously approved may face re-evaluation if there are substantial changes in business needs, roles, teams, structure, or location. In the United States, Google plans to track office attendance periodically using badge data, while exploring the possibility of implementing similar monitoring in other countries based on local requirements. Employees who repeatedly violate the attendance policy will be contacted by the Human Resources department to discuss next steps.

Ryan Lamont, a spokesperson for Google, stated that the company’s hybrid approach aims to combine the advantages of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Lamont clarified that the badge data accessed by company leaders is aggregated and does not contain individual employee information.

This recent policy update signifies Google’s most robust effort to date in encouraging employees to return to physical offices. After facing criticism in 2021 for its initial return-to-office plans, the company revised its remote work policies, allowing up to 20% of employees to telecommute. However, since April 2022, most employees have been required to work from the office for at least three days per week. In an attempt to entice employees, Google organized various events, including a private Lizzo concert, marching bands, and visits from city mayors.

Interestingly, while Google is now emphasizing office attendance, the company has simultaneously implemented cost-cutting measures, downsizing its real estate footprint. In March, Google’s cloud unit announced the transition to a desk-sharing workspace in its five largest locations.

Google’s renewed focus on in-person collaboration aligns with the company’s fierce competition in the field of artificial intelligence. In response to rivals such as Microsoft and its backed ChatGPT gaining traction, Google has rallied its workforce to maintain a dominant position in the AI industry. Furthermore, the company has been actively cracking down on internal leaks, demonstrating a renewed determination to safeguard its intellectual property.