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Microsoft-NL_MG_0815_case study hero Microsoft-NL_MG_0815_case study hero

Microsoft Netherlands: Getting to Work without the Office

Trust and Output as the Focus

“We wanted to emphasise trust rather than control, and output rather than attendance.”
THEO RINSEMA
CEO | Microsoft Netherlands

Case Study Overview

Case Study Overview

The world's largest software company experiments with hybrid way before the rest

Organisation: Microsoft Netherlands

Location: Schiphol, the Netherlands

Employees: 1,000+

Key Concepts: A journey the virtual "office"

  • Employees were unsatisfied about their work/life balance
  • They were finding it hard to leave work at the office
  • The company employed mostly knowledge workers
01

The Challenge

First, Microsoft wanted to use their technology to improve the organisation’s productivity.

Second, the vitality of employees needed to go up. They had given the organisation a score of “unsatisfactory” when it came to promoting a good work/life balance. Employees were always available at home and being pushed by the technology to continue working. The question? How to give employees the scope to organise work themselves, to cope with that responsibility?

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02

The Result

Microsoft and Veldhoen + Company made the change process as organic as possible. Employees now no longer have assigned offices or desks. A big change, but without any resistance. People were already used to it.

Changing leadership styles was the second part of the change process, along with getting the most out of employees as a team. They learned to let go more and to facilitate rather than steer.

The office building acts as a catalyst. The new space acts as a meeting place, space, transparency and connection are key.

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“The more you fall back on what you know, the fewer risks you take.”
THEO RINSEMA
CEO | Microsoft Netherlands

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Ultimately, we will work with you to create a unique culture and environment where people will have the space to thrive, the freedom to genuinely connect with one another and will proudly work as a part of your organisation.