Red Hat says staff are free to work from home permanently

It comes with Covid-19 still a concern for employees

Red Hat has said its employees are free to do their jobs from home indefinitely and do not need to return to the office, according to the firm's chief people officer Jennifer Dudeck.

Staff who do wish to make the trip into work will be greeted by collaborative "neighbourhoods", claims Red Hat, following a revamp of its office spaces.

Dudeck made the announcement in an online post, where she confirmed that flexibly "remains key to our culture".

She said more than 30 per cent of Red Hat staff worked remotely prior to the pandemic and is now expanding flexibility by offering the majority of associates the freedom to be "office-flex".

This means they can come to the office as much as they need to, or not at all if they choose.

Dudeck said: "With Covid-19 still a concern for associates caring for immunocompromised loved ones, no Red Hatter is required to be in an office if they do not wish to return.

"While some of our tech peers are pulling employees back to the office, we don't think our workforce needs to be in an office to be successful—we've seen the value in providing flexibility."

Other tech vendor leaders have recently voiced their support for flexible working. Dell recently committed to allow team members to choose the work style that best fits their lifestyle - whether that is remote, in an office or a blend of the two.

"We are redesigning office spaces for the purpose of bringing teams together for social connection and collaboration to enhance hybrid experiences," CEO Michael Dell said in a post.

"These decisions are grounded in our culture and based on the facts of our internal data. It is a philosophy of flexibility, choice, and connection."

Dudeck herself worked from home for more than a decade before joining Red Hat, saying its latest move extends trust, gives back time and provides freedom to adapt each day to work and family needs.

"The benefits of expanding flexibility also don't just accrue to associates; our approach allows us to unlock a wider talent pool and create a lasting employer-value proposition," she said.

"Not being limited by location when hiring provides a much broader opportunity to attract and retain great associates, especially when it comes to diverse talent."

However, Red Hat has evolved its office spaces for people who do choose to go in.

"Coming to an office, they are greeted by ‘neighbourhoods' where teams gather to work," Dudeck said.

"In our neighbourhoods, you'll see far fewer desks and more booths, couches and small collaboration spaces.

"This is a concept that we've had for years even prior to the pandemic, but we've expanded this approach post-pandemic.

"We've also overhauled our technology and collaboration tools, providing associates the ability to connect with colleagues and customers around the world from almost any room."