GeekWire recently celebrated its move to new headquarters in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. The event included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a party attended by business leaders, sponsors, members, neighbors, and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. The office space, formerly a coffee shop and a residence, offers a sunny deck with views of cyclists on the Burke Gilman Trail and seaplanes departing from Lake Union.
The occasion provided an opportunity to discuss remote and in-person work policies with attendees. Companies such as Amazon have implemented in-person mandates, while others, like Perry Atkins from Baird, have allowed for more flexibility. Shannon Swift from Swift HR Solutions noted that companies are still navigating the best approach for their teams, considering factors like the nature of work, business culture, and employee experience levels.
Alison Beason from the Washington State Department of Commerce shared how remote work has allowed for more diverse representation in government decision-making. Todd Owens from Kevala finds a balance between in-person and remote work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and brainstorming in the office. Jon Prentice from Silicon Valley Bank highlighted the benefits of a hybrid work model, providing flexibility for employees to manage their schedules.
Adam Chapman and Blair Stern from JLL discussed their company’s approach to in-person work, with most employees working onsite but some flexibility for remote work. They emphasized the value of human connection, collaboration, and spontaneous conversations that come from working in an office environment. The event was a success, with attendees enjoying the new office space and the opportunity to network with other business leaders and professionals in the area.
