During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, prominent IT companies and design studios declared a work-from-home policy for their employees, embracing the “new normal” and expressing their admiration for it. The more adventurous ones even proclaimed permanent work-from-anywhere (WFA) and emphasized the advantages of working from home. It was a time of great enthusiasm.
Major tech companies not only adapted to remote work but also actively advocated for it as the “new normal.” Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) championed their “Secure Borderless Workspaces” model, highlighting the flexibility and resilience of remote operations. Infosys emphasized the importance of digital transformation, encouraging businesses to leverage cloud technologies and virtual collaboration tools to maintain productivity. HCL Technologies underscored their commitment to employee safety and the seamless continuation of client services through robust remote work frameworks.
During the COVID-19 peak, major IT firms and design studios adopted a work-from-home policy, embracing the “new normal” enthusiastically
Google and Amazon, both global leaders in the tech industry, took significant steps to normalize remote work by investing in comprehensive support systems for their employees. Google promoted the use of its suite of remote collaboration tools, such as Google Workspace, to facilitate efficient and productive remote work environments. Amazon extended similar support, providing resources and guidance to ensure employees could work effectively from home. These companies collectively reinforced the idea that remote work was not just a temporary measure but a viable and sustainable model for the future, setting a precedent for the broader adoption of remote work across various industries.
To talk about the UX design landscape in particular, Lollypop Design Studio in India acquired and advocated for a similar model. In 2020, Anil Reddy, the founder of Lollypop Design, embraced remote work as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing it as a necessary adaptation to the changing global landscape. He wrote a an article on LinkedIn Pulse (you might have to log into LinkedIn to access the article, unless it has been deleted since) acknowledging the shift towards digitalization, emphasizing the importance of remote collaboration and adapting to the new normal.
In his article, Anil Reddy reflects on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting it as a moment that compels us to reassess our lives and routines. Initially, the pandemic’s demand for self-isolation induced global panic, but as the situation stabilized, Reddy identifies positive outcomes, such as increased time for family, cooking, and self-reflection. He notes that the digital space has become integral to our lives, transforming social events, work, education, and monetary transactions into virtual activities. “The digital space today has literally become our reality. Our social events, our work, our monetary transactions, our education – name it and it has been digitised,” Reddy observes. Despite the challenges, Reddy sees a silver lining in the pandemic’s acceleration of digitalization and its role in redefining our reality.
In 2020, Anil Reddy, the founder of Lollypop Design, embraced remote work as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic only to go back on his sentiment recently in 2024
Reddy shares insights into how his company, Lollypop Design, adapted to the pandemic. Like many leaders, he initially faced uncertainty and panic. “The first week was mostly panic, trying to find the ground and a semblance of certainty,” he admits. However, the team quickly adjusted to remote work, maintaining collaboration and client satisfaction. By leveraging technology and robust internet capabilities, Lollypop successfully transitioned to a remote work model without compromising their collaborative design process. Reddy emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability, suggesting that remote work, when approached correctly, can preserve and even enhance collaborative practices. “With technology advancements touching every facet, availability of a plethora of solutions to collaborate and communicate effectively… the team at Lollypop has seamlessly adapted to working collaboratively in new normal.”
Looking towards the future, Reddy observes that true leaders are using this period to fine-tune their products and prepare for a post-pandemic world. He is impressed by the proactive steps businesses are taking to embrace digital transformation, citing examples of traditional companies seeking technological solutions to scale their operations. “We at Lollypop are blown away with the sheer amount of preparation that every firm is making to ensure they will not only survive but thrive in the post-pandemic market.” He stresses that redesigns or transformations don’t have to be overwhelming but can be small, manageable projects that improve customer experience. Reddy concludes that the pandemic will likely result in a “new normal,” permanently changing how we work and live, making a strong digital presence more critical than ever. Reddy remains optimistic in the article, seeing the digital world as a resilient space where businesses can thrive: “The digital world is alive today more than ever, it is the one space that COVID 19 is incapable of penetrating.”
The U Turn
However, as we entered 2023 and the threat of Covid-19 diminished, the very individuals – startup founders, tech heads – who were all praises about remote work, began to have a change of heart. Suddenly, they were only able to perceive the drawbacks of working from home, and all the benefits had vanished.
2023 onwards, startup founders and tech leaders shifted their stance on remote work, highlighting its drawbacks as the threat of Covid-19 receded
As the COVID-19 pandemic wanes off, major tech companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCL Technologies, Google, and Amazon are implementing new return-to-office policies. These companies emphasize the benefits of in-person work, such as enhanced collaboration, better training opportunities, and improved productivity. TCS, for example, requires employees to work from the office for at least three days a week, and Infosys mandates a minimum of ten days per month. Similarly, Google, Wipro, and Meta have set similar attendance requirements, each stressing that non-compliance could result in consequences ranging from disciplinary action to job termination. Amazon highlights that failing to meet the in-office requirement might hinder promotion opportunities, demonstrating a firm stance on the importance of physical presence in the workplace.
In stark contrast to his stance in 2020, Anil Reddy recently expressed strong skepticism about remote work, particularly in the design context. In a provocative statement on LinkedIn, where he likened WFH to the COVID virus, he raised concerns about the negative impact of remote work on interpersonal skills and collaboration among designers. Reddy argues that working from home can erode discipline and soft skills, emphasizing the critical need for in-person collaboration to foster empathy and user-centric design practices. He suggests that the comfort and convenience of remote work may inadvertently lead to a self-centric approach, lacking the essential human connection and empathy required for effective design solutions.
Reddy’s change in perspective reflects a shift towards prioritizing in-person collaboration and interpersonal skills in the design field, contrasting with his earlier embrace of remote work as a viable solution during the pandemic. While he previously championed remote work and digital transformation as essential for business resilience, his recent rejection of designers who have been working remotely signals a departure from this stance. Of course, Reddy is not alone and just an example that I am quoting from the global UX community.
Bendable ‘Bold’ Visionaries
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, there is fierce competition among IT company and digital design agency founders to remain relevant and create content that captures the attention of social media users. As a result, they often find themselves quickly jumping on the bandwagon of popular trends. If artificial intelligence (AI) is the hot topic of the moment, they will eagerly embrace it and promote its benefits. However, if the drawbacks and ethical concerns surrounding AI start to gain traction, they will swiftly switch gears and distance themselves from it.
Similarly, remote work was once praised as a revolutionary concept that offered flexibility and work-life balance. These founders were quick to champion it and promote its advantages. However, as the challenges and limitations of remote work have become more apparent, they are now being criticized for their initial enthusiasm. This flip-flopping and inconsistency can be disappointing for those who looked up to them as thought leaders.
Despite being hailed as visionaries and leaders in their respective industries, these founders are ultimately just ordinary individuals. They are not infallible and are prone to making decisions and mistakes like anyone else. It is important to remember that they should not be glorified or put on a pedestal.
Benefits of Remote Work
Despite the recent backlash, remote work has proven benefits that are supported by data and case studies. According to a study by Stanford University, remote work can increase productivity by 13%. This is largely due to fewer distractions, reduced commuting time, and a quieter work environment. The same study also found that remote workers took fewer sick days and had a 50% lower attrition rate compared to their office-based counterparts.
Additionally, a survey conducted by FlexJobs found that 65% of employees are more productive in their home offices than in traditional workplaces. Companies like GitLab, which operates entirely remotely, have reported high levels of employee satisfaction and productivity. GitLab’s remote work model has allowed it to attract top talent from around the world, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Their success demonstrates that remote work can be effectively managed and can lead to significant business benefits.
A survey conducted by FlexJobs found that 65% of employees are more productive in their home offices than in traditional workplaces
Despite the push for office attendance, some employees express reservations, particularly regarding potential relocations and the shift away from the flexibility of remote work. Nevertheless, these tech giants are resolute in their approach, balancing safety, productivity, and employee well-being in their policy changes. Dell, for instance, categorizes most workers as hybrid, requiring them to work from the office for a minimum of 39 days per quarter, while allowing some lower-paid workers to remain fully remote, albeit with potential career limitations. This trend reflects a broader industry movement towards hybrid work models, acknowledging both the advantages of remote work and the irreplaceable value of in-person interaction.
Remote work has also allowed UX designers to have more flexibility in their schedules, leading to increased productivity and creativity. Without the constraints of a traditional office environment, designers can work during their most productive hours, whether that be early in the morning or late at night. This flexibility has also allowed designers to better balance their work and personal lives, leading to improved overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Additionally, remote work has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and networking within the design community. Designers can now easily connect with others in their field from around the world, sharing ideas, feedback, and inspiration in real-time. This has led to a more connected and supportive design community, where designers can learn from each other and grow professionally in ways that were not possible before.
Overall, remote work has revolutionized the way designers approach their work, allowing for greater creativity, flexibility, and collaboration. By embracing this new way of working, designers have been able to expand their horizons and push the boundaries of design in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Empathy is not confined to physical spaces; it is cultivated through meaningful interactions, whether they occur in-person or virtually
Contrary to the claim that remote work erodes soft skills and discipline, many designers have thrived in this environment, demonstrating professionalism and dedication through their high-quality work. The absence of office politics and the flexibility to create from any location have empowered designers to focus on delivering exceptional results. Empathy is not confined to physical spaces; it is cultivated through meaningful interactions, whether they occur in-person or virtually. By leveraging technology for user research—through video interviews, surveys, and online collaboration tools like Miro and Figjam—designers can maintain, if not enhance, their user-centric approach. The focus should be on the outcomes and the ability to contribute positively to the team, regardless of the work environment.
Moreover, the notion that empathy and interpersonal skills can only be developed in an office setting is flawed. Remote work environments often foster more meaningful interactions, as scheduling flexibility allows for more frequent and effective communication. The ability to choose one’s work environment can lead to greater creativity and productivity, as designers tailor their spaces to their needs. The modern design landscape values adaptability and innovation, and remote work is a testament to our industry’s resilience and forward-thinking nature. It is essential to recognize and embrace this evolution rather than clinging to outdated notions of productivity and collaboration.
Conclusion
It is crucial to recognize that these founders are not immune to the pressures of the industry and the need to stay relevant. They are driven by the demands of their audience and the desire to maintain their status and influence. While their ability to adapt and follow trends may be seen as a strategic move, it can also be seen as a lack of authenticity and a willingness to compromise their values for popularity.
It’s time for entrepreneurs to stand firm and uphold their true beliefs, even if it means going against the grain. True leaders are not afraid to take risks and make bold decisions, even if it means facing criticism or backlash. Instead of following the crowd and conforming to the latest trends, entrepreneurs should focus on building a strong foundation for their business based on their own values and principles. By staying true to themselves and their vision, they will not only earn the respect of their peers and customers but also create a lasting legacy that will stand the test of time.
Next time something catastrophic like COVID-19 happens, try observing and evaluating the situation before making hasty declarations
Here’s a useful tip to all the founders: Next time something catastrophic like COVID-19 happens, try observing and evaluating the situation before making hasty declarations.
Announcing “permanent work from home” only to retract it later damages your credibility. Not only would your clients and employees appreciate your measured approach, but you’d also retain some integrity.
And no, WFH is not a virus. Maybe skewed visionaries and founders are.
