One of the biggest perks of the modern workplace is disappearing
Since then, it has frequently made lists of the best companies for telecommuting or flexible work.
The company announced that about 2,600 people in its marketing department and an unknown number of employees in IT, procurement, and Watson-related departments would be required to work - or "colocate" - in one of six US cities. If employees chose not to work in their designated city, they'd have to look for a new job.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, this may be a sign that one of the biggest perks of the modern workplace is disappearing.
As Bloomberg reports, about 60% of US companies currently provide some telecommuting option. According to data pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about a quarter of the US workforce teleworks at some frequency.
What's more, 80% to 90% of the US workforce says they would like to telework at least part time.
But many of them may not get what they want.
After 20 consecutive quarters of falling revenue, IBM calculated that its remote workers performed better in close proximity to their colleagues.
IBM isn't the only early-adopter to change its tune. In 2013, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer gave hundreds of employees an ultimatum: work in the office or quit.
Bloomberg offers one explanation for the change of heart: critics of remote work argue that our current work structures require a level of collaboration that can't be attained without at least some face-to-face interactions.
At the same time, as Business Insider previously reported, workspaces are evolving to suit to the varied needs of its workers with a diverse mix of spaces, furniture, and amenities.
In the next decade or so, we may see more companies that offer remote work options shift their focus to transforming their workspaces and allowing workers to "colocate" in satellite offices around the globe.
"Offering a selection of spaces for workers to choose from is going to become essential for business success," social psychologist and "The Best Place To Work" author Ron Friedman previously told Business Insider.
Get the latest IBM stock price here.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas