Airbnb announces new work-from-home design; work from different country even! 5 critical points

Airbnb has announced its new work-from-home policy allowing its employees to work from anywhere – home, office or another country altogether.

Airbnb has decided that the company will allow employees to work even from different countries as per its new work-from-home guidelines. (REUTERS)

Airbnb has made a big announcement around its work-from-home policy. The company has decided that it will allow its employees to work even from a different country, a step solidifying the ‘work-from-anywhere' culture. Under this policy, the employees can live and work in over 170 countries for up to 90 days a year in each location, although it has also been highlighted that the employees would require a permanent address for taxation and payroll purposes. In an email to the employees, CEO Brian Chesky outlined five critical features in the new work from anywhere layout. Check them out below.

Work from home or office

The company will be giving flexibility to employees to work in their way based on where they feel most productive. The majority of employees will have this flexibility. Only a few people will be required to be in the office or a specific location to perform their responsibilities.

Move anywhere in the country

Employees can move from one place to another – whether moving close to family or living in a place they have dreamt of living for a long time. Regardless of the location, the compensation will not change. Starting in June, the company will have single pay tiers by the country for both salary and equity. If the company has set the payment using a lower location-based pay tier, an increase will be released in June.

Travel and work around the world

Airbnb employees can live and work in 170 countries for 90 days, in each location, during a year starting in September. Although individual employees will have to secure work permits themselves. The company said it is "actively partnering with local governments" to streamline the process and make it easier to travel. An important note is that permanent international moves won't be available this year.

Regular team gatherings, off-sites, and social events

Airbnb will be prioritizing meaningful in-person gatherings throughout the year. However, since the pandemic is still ongoing, there will be limited off-site events this year. The number of these events will increase next year.

Work in a highly coordinated way

There is an emphasis that the employees will need to coordinate and formulate their plans to pull off this level of flexibility. The CEO added that things would become a "free-for-all without it."