Asos has taken a stance against virtual meetings, citing negative impacts on company performance.
- The company enforces a return-to-work policy, essential for in-person collaboration.
- Key meetings like brainstorms and pre-productions are marked ‘vital’ for face-to-face attendance.
- Certain teams are mandated to visit the office up to three times weekly.
- Revenues saw a notable drop from £1.8bn to £1.5bn, with operating losses decreasing slightly.
Asos has recently highlighted the negative impact virtual meetings have on company performance, actively encouraging employees to adhere to its return-to-work policy. The etailer has warned staff that failure to comply with flexible working rules could result in disciplinary actions, as reported by The Times.
In an internal communication, Asos stressed the importance of attending specific meetings in person. These meetings encompass brainstorms and pre-production sessions, which have been designated as vital. The company insists that such gatherings are essential to be conducted face-to-face rather than virtually.
Different departments at Asos have varied in-office requirements. For instance, some teams are required to work from the office at least three times a week. Particularly, creative, production, and marketing teams are currently obliged to conduct the majority of their meetings in person. Asos has articulated that virtual meetings pose a strain on the broader team, underscoring a ‘very real need’ for employees to physically interact with the clothing items, a task deemed impossible through virtual means.
This initiative mirrors a previous directive from JD Sports, which mandated staff to operate from the office for a minimum of four days a week beginning this summer. The rationale behind such measures, as understood from Drapers, is that increased in-office presence facilitates enhanced personal development, promotes collaboration, and provides greater opportunities for learning.
In a financial context, Asos experienced a decline in revenue, reporting £1.5bn for the 26 weeks ending on 3 March 2024, a reduction from £1.8bn over the same period in the previous year. Concurrently, the company’s operating loss saw a marginal decrease, dropping from £272.5m to £246.8m.
Asos’s policy shift highlights its focus on improving collaborative efforts and addressing revenue challenges.
