In contrast to the rigid directives seen in some corporate behemoths, EY adopts an intricate approach to navigating the future of work. Frank Giampietro, the Chief Well-being Officer at EY, provides insights into their distinctive “hybrid-first model.”
Rather than enforcing a universal dictate, EY relies on a robust set of principles to cultivate a well-rounded work model. Giampietro emphasizes the importance of education, ensuring that employees comprehend the rationale behind their approach. At the core of EY’s model is the concept of “predictable flexibility.” The expectation is that employees will spend a significant portion—between 40% and 60%—of their working time in a physical workspace. This isn’t a mere intuition; EY leverages data from regular pulse surveys to shape its policies. The analysis uncovers that employees engaged in hybrid arrangements consistently score higher in well-being, skill development, and career advancement compared to their fully remote counterparts.
Within the vast terrain of EY, the manifestation of hybrid work takes on various forms across business segments. Collaboration might unfold at client sites rather than traditional EY offices, with the percentage of time spent in hybrid environments varying. Regardless of the segment, Giampietro’s team advocates for a proactive stance termed “predictable flexibility.” Leaders are encouraged to plan strategically, examining a year-long cycle to optimize face-to-face collaboration. EY initiated its hybrid policy rollout in June 2021, albeit with hurdles along the way due to disruptions caused by the ongoing pandemic. Learning from these challenges, Giampietro and his team identified additional barriers such as commute-related costs and more.
The introduction of an $800 annual “way of working” fund in February 2022 was a solution. The results speak volumes, with a remarkable 150% year-over-year surge in time spent together in the office.
The triumph of the stipend solidifies its status as an ongoing offering. Giampietro envisions it as a mechanism to “ease the burden” for employees transitioning back to in-person work habits. EY’s hybrid-first strategy goes beyond embracing change; it is a testament to adaptability, data-driven decision-making, and a substantial investment in the holistic well-being of its workforce.
