Bolt's Bold Move: Ending Remote Work from Paradise Locations like Bali

Bolt's Crackdown on Remote Work

Bolt's chief executive, Markus Villig, has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing what he describes as the insanity of employees working remotely from vacation spots like Bali. He expressed concerns over the level of disconnection among staff, citing that less than half of employees were in the office for at least two days each week.

New Office Attendance Requirements

Starting January 1, 2025, all Bolt employees will be required to work from the office 12 days a month, which translates to about three days a week. Villig emphasized the need for employees to be within easy travel distance of the office, mandating that they be present in-person at least two days a week.

The Rationale Behind the Policy

In an internal email, Villig pointed out that the company has become too scattered, leading to high attrition rates and empty offices. He stated, “We have seen too much complacency in the last few years on how we recruit, where people live and when and where people work.” He believes that working in-person will foster better relationship-building and communication, as well as enhance mental well-being among employees.

A Call to Action for Managers

Managers at Bolt are encouraged to lead by example, create a fun office environment, and monitor attendance among employees who work from home too frequently. Villig acknowledged that while some may choose to leave the company due to this policy, he believes the cultural impact is more significant.

Company Culture and Competitiveness

With 4,000 employees across 50 countries, including the UK, Bolt is positioning itself against competitors like Uber and preparing for a stock market listing next year. Villig describes the new policy as generous compared to other tech giants, such as Amazon, which recently mandated a return to the office five days a week. He warned that without these changes, Bolt risks falling into mediocrity, stating, “Even the largest companies… realize that in order to stay at the top they have to retain an intense culture.”

Defending the Policy

Following backlash on social media, Grete Kivi, Bolt's global employer branding manager, defended the policy, reiterating that working at Bolt is not for everyone and that the company has never been a remote-first organization. A spokesman for Bolt emphasized their commitment to fostering a culture of engagement and innovation, while allowing for flexible and effective work arrangements.