Zoom is persuading its employees to leave remote work by offering amenities like a wellness room and locally sourced meals.
Zoom is persuading its employees to leave remote work by offering amenities like a wellness room and locally sourced meals.
Zoom’s London HQ: A Glimpse into the Future of Work

At Zoom’s London headquarters, remote worker Arik warmly welcomes me into the 6th floor of a building nestled in the quiet and picturesque neighborhood of Holborn. This 15,000-square-foot site is not just another ordinary office space; it exemplifies the future of work with its cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a virtual map displaying floating heads that indicate which desks are taken. Utilizing artificial intelligence, Zoom’s workspace reservation tool recommends the best desk for you based on your preferences and proximity to your team. The immersive experience continues with digitally-focused meeting rooms featuring a curved conference table that maximizes visibility on screen, an intelligence detector that displays who is speaking, and LED displays that function as both information boards and informal whiteboards. Furthermore, a giant screen takes center stage, facilitating all-hands-on calls with Zoom’s founder, Eric Yuan. The emphasis on digital collaboration is evident at every turn.
However, Zoom doesn’t stop at technology. The company aims to elevate the employee experience beyond working from a couch or makeshift workspace. To entice workers to return to the office for at least two days a week, Zoom offers complimentary breakfast and lunch from local eateries, a wellness room complete with a massage chair for relaxation, and even a ping-pong table for some friendly competition. It’s clear that Zoom wants to create an engaging and enjoyable work environment.
Zoom’s decision to embrace a hybrid approach, combining remote and office work, may come as a surprise given its role as a facilitator of remote work. Yet, the company recognizes the need for face-to-face collaboration and believes in using its own technologies to support employees and innovate. The stock market has not reacted favorably to companies mandating a return to the traditional office, resulting in Zoom’s share value plummeting. To address this, Zoom is showcasing its hybrid model and demonstrating how its technology can navigate this new working world.
“We want this to be gold standard,” expresses Drew Smith, Zoom’s Director of Government Relations, UK & Ireland, as he gestures toward one of the sleek meeting rooms. The key to success lies in creating a workplace where employees feel energized and connected with their teams. Smith highlights the importance of having confidence that going into the office will be worthwhile. Employees want to know that their colleagues will be present, spaces will inspire interaction, and that the office experience will enhance their productivity. Zoom’s decision to mandate two days in the office strikes a balance between flexibility and physical presence, reinforcing the power of in-person collaboration while acknowledging the benefits of remote work.
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As organizations strive to future-proof their offices, uncertainty looms. The world experienced an unexpected global pandemic that upended traditional work practices. However, Smith believes that the future of work will incorporate a blend of in-person and remote interactions. Even as technologies like VR and the Metaverse gain popularity, physical spaces will remain necessary for moments of in-person connection. As Zoom continues to develop, it recognizes the centrality of generative artificial intelligence (A.I.) in its growth. With features like summarizing video meetings, Zoom leverages A.I. to enhance productivity and enable efficient communication. While concerns about A.I. replacing jobs persist, Zoom’s focus remains on practical applications that empower workers rather than replacing them.
Zoom’s London HQ serves as a flagship for the future of work. Its seamless integration of technology, thoughtful design, and employee-centered amenities sets a high bar for other organizations. By combining the best of both remote and office work, Zoom seeks to create an environment where collaboration thrives, connections are strengthened, and productivity soars. As the world continues to evolve, embracing technology and maintaining a human-centered approach will be key to success in the new era of work.