Cameo, a startup known for its platform that offers personalized video messages from celebrities, has introduced a new return-to-office (RTO) policy for its employees in Chicago. The company is incentivizing employees to come into the office more frequently by providing a $10,000 annual raise. This move comes as other major companies like Amazon, JPMorgan, and Walmart are also implementing RTO mandates.
Under the new policy, employees at Cameo’s headquarters in Chicago are required to be in the office four days a week from Monday to Thursday. In addition to the raise, employees will also enjoy benefits such as free parking, daily catered lunches, and access to an onsite gym. CEO Steven Galanis explains that they wanted to make coming into the office a perk rather than a punishment, acknowledging the sacrifice of giving up flexibility in remote work.
While employees based outside of Chicago, mainly in New York and Los Angeles, are still allowed to work remotely, they will not receive the pay raise. Galanis set the raise at $10,000 to make a meaningful impact on employees’ lives, especially for junior employees who may benefit from finding housing closer to the office to avoid long commutes.
Despite the initial concerns about employees’ reactions to the new policy, Cameo found that none of its staff quit or moved away. In fact, some remote workers expressed interest in relocating to Chicago to take advantage of the perks offered to in-office employees. This shift towards hybrid or fully in-person work aligns with a recent HealthEquity study showing that three out of four employees had positive RTO experiences, with enhanced collaboration being a key benefit.
As Cameo navigates through ups and downs in its journey, the company remains optimistic about its future potential. The recent policy changes reflect a strategic approach to creating a conducive work environment that meets the evolving needs of its workforce.
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