As the COVID-19 pandemic's impacts gradually subside, most segments of the United States economy have returned to normal. Across the business landscape, however, many companies remain engaged in the "Remote Work vs Return to Office" conversation.
Some businesses have adopted an "Either/Or" stance, while others have turned to a Structured Hybrid Work Model. At global ecommerce technology company Rokt, co-founder and CEO Bruce Buchanan provides leadership on this complex issue, reaffirming his company's four-day in-office work week and acknowledging the many advantages that come from working side-by-side with team members.
Perspectives on Remote and Hybrid Work
During the COVID-19 pandemic's early days, employees across the United States were unexpectedly thrust into remote work as their companies were mandated to shut down. For perspective, pre-pandemic remote work comprised approximately 6 percent of full workdays. In spring 2020, remote work comprised over 50 percent of full workdays.
As companies gradually resumed onsite operations, remote work decreased accordingly. Since early 2023, the remote work percentage has remained in the 28 percent range. Amid these various trends, hybrid work models have become the most common way companies are balancing remote and in-person work arrangements in a post-pandemic world.
Snapshot of Hybrid Work
By definition, a hybrid work model enables employees to combine remote and in-office work. Each hybrid workplace has adopted its own version of the model. That said, a hybrid work model offers some degree of employee schedule flexibility.
A Structured Hybrid Work Setting
In a structured hybrid workplace, employees are expected to be in the office for a minimum number of days each week. This model ensures that team members can engage in mutually beneficial collaborations while still enjoying some schedule flexibility. In early 2024, approximately 37 percent of United States businesses reported the adoption of a structured hybrid model.
The United States technology industry has recently shown leadership in hybrid work adoption. That said, certain technology companies now require employees to adhere to a traditional in-office work schedule.
Better Together: The Bruce Buchanan Rokt Hybrid Work Solution
Under Bruce Buchanan's leadership, Rokt has adopted a work model that maintains the company's much-valued teamwork culture. The talented Rokt team is known for its ability to successfully navigate ecommerce challenges for the business' clients and their customers.
Bruce Buchanan has embraced a hybrid work model that meets team members' and clients' needs. This work structure "balances productivity, flexibility, and employee development," says Bruce Buchanan. Perhaps most importantly, the Rokt hybrid work model reflects the firm's "Better Together" Core Company Value. Simply put, Rokt can best serve its clients when it fosters effective team collaboration.
4 Reasons Why In-Person Collaboration Drives Rokt's Success
Creative, in-person collaboration often sparks innovative solutions. Rokt's talented team members' achievements continue to power the firm's success. When Rokt'stars come together in person, they can better forge beneficial relationships that help Rokt maintain its remarkable growth trajectory. By requiring all employees to work onsite four days per week, Rokt sets the stage and allows the magic to happen.
Shared Creative Energy That Drives Innovation
When team members gather in the conference room or brainstorm in an inviting common area, they can freely share ideas and revel in the creative energy. These lively conversations often spur bold approaches and "out of the box" solutions that virtual meetings just can't match.
This is why CEO Bruce Buchanan believes that Rokt's "Better Together" core value isn't just a catchy buzzword. It recognizes that bringing team members together is key to the firm's continued success.
Skills Development and Mentorship Opportunities
In-office Rokt'stars enjoy ongoing skills development and mentorship opportunities. They can absorb best practices firsthand while learning from their seasoned colleagues.
By obtaining real-time feedback, team members can further enhance their skills. This "apprenticeship focus" contributes to optimal career progression and helps Rokt maintain its impressive 40 percent year-over-year growth.
Inspiring Workspaces and a Vibrant Company Culture
Bruce Buchanan and his team have pulled out all the stops to provide Rokt'stars with a vibrant, inspiring workplace. Stadium-style gathering spots, Wi-Fi-enabled rooftops, and other features present collaboration-friendly settings.
Multiple common areas encourage casual get-togethers that further enhance the dynamic Rokt company culture. Mothers' rooms are also located onsite. Finally, daily complimentary catered lunches bring congenial Rokt'stars together.
Magnet for Dynamic, Like-Minded Rokt'stars
The Bruce Buchanan Rokt team welcomes individuals who share the company's Core Values and shine in a collaborative work culture. Rokt's in-office policy and its thriving in-person workplace help attract these high achievers.
Pairing In-Office Work with Employee Flexibility
In 2024, Rokt continues to maintain its 40 percent year-over-year hyper-growth rate. The firm's balanced work-setting approach promotes exceptional productivity while encouraging Rokt'stars' full career potential. Team members enjoy value-enhancing career development and growth opportunities.
Together, these initiatives are essential to maintaining Rokt's notable growth rate and driving the company's success. Concurrently, Rokt'stars will have the needed tools to drive faster career growth and impact.
Snapshot of Rokt's Company Benefits
During a 12-month period, Rokt'stars (or Rokt employees) can enjoy a full slate of benefits. These include:
Paid Leave Time
- Employees are eligible for 20 Paid Time Off days per year. Employees who took at least 75 percent of their PTO in the prior year receive five extra days of PTO in the current year.
- Each team member receives 12 paid public holidays. Employees can select holidays that align with their cultural and religious values.
- Each team member receives pregnancy and paternity leave. Caregiver and sickness leave, along with compassion and bereavement leave, are also included.
Paid Employee Sabbatical
Following five years of service, Rokt'stars are eligible for a paid sabbatical. The sabbatical length varies with each team member's years of service.
- 5 Years of Service: 4 Weeks of Paid Leave
- 6 Years of Service: 6 Weeks of Paid Leave
- 7 Years of Service: 7 Weeks of Paid Leave
- 8 Years of Service: 8 Weeks of Paid Leave
- 9 Years of Service: 9 Weeks of Paid Leave
- 10 Years of Service: 12 Weeks of Paid Leave
Hybrid Workplace Flexibility Features
Bruce Buchanan's Rokt team prioritizes in-person collaboration. That said, the company provides team members with three key workplace flexibility features.
- "Work from Anywhere" Weeks chosen at employee discretion up to 1 week every quarter
- One "Work from Anywhere" Day a week (applies to in-office weeks)
- Paid Time Off that Includes "High-Five" Days Along with Sabbaticals
Rokt's supportive hybrid work culture attracts collaboration-focused team members who share the company's Core Values. Bruce Buchanan's Rokt team invites high achievers to explore Rokt's diverse career opportunities.
The Role of the Rokt Employee Experience Team
The high-spirited Rokt Employee Experience Team offers a suite of social events and seasonal festivities. Professional development opportunities include in-person training and something Rokt calls the LevelUp! program, which enables Rokt'stars to select their own external training and development programs that support their development and help them drive greater impact in their role.
