The world of work has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with remote and flexible work arrangements moving from a niche benefit to a mainstream expectation. At Publicis Sapient, we’ve embraced this shift, recognizing that flexibility is not just about where work happens, but how and why it happens. Our "Working Your World" program and hybrid models empower employees to design work experiences that fit their lives, unlocking new levels of happiness, creativity, and productivity. But what does this really mean for our people and our business? Here, we explore the real impact of remote work, drawing on the lived experiences of our global teams.
For many at Publicis Sapient, remote work has been a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Julia Schindler, an Associate Product Manager in London, spent five weeks working remotely from Costa Rica. Her experience was more than a change of scenery—it was a chance to reconnect with family, explore new cultures, and push personal boundaries. "Every day after work, you just feel excited to go explore," Julia shares. The opportunity to blend work with adventure brought a sense of refresh and invigoration that translated back into her professional life. "It definitely gives you a refresh when you're out there. The new experiences are really amazing and cool, but I still wanted to come back and be back with my friends and work."
Others have found that flexible arrangements support healthier routines and better work-life balance. One Bangalore-based team member adopted a rotational office model, working from home for evening calls and coming into the office for key meetings. This flexibility enabled them to become more regular with exercise and meditation, demonstrating how remote work can support holistic well-being.
Remote work has also fostered creativity and cross-functional collaboration. Our teams are structured to bring together diverse disciplines—product, data, engineering, and experience—regardless of physical location. This approach, described by several employees, means that everyone has the space and permission to create, innovate, and experiment. As one leader put it, "You have to create a culture and environment that allows people, gives them the space, empowers them, that gives them permission to create, to innovate, to think."
The result? Teams that are more agile, more diverse in thought, and more capable of delivering innovative solutions for clients. Employees report that working with colleagues from different backgrounds and locations not only broadens their perspectives but also makes them more well-rounded professionals.
Of course, remote work is not without its challenges. Some employees miss the spontaneous interactions and camaraderie of the office. Junior team members may have fewer opportunities for face time with mentors, and building a cohesive culture across time zones requires intentional effort. As one employee noted, "It can mean less face time for junior employees with their bosses, fewer happenstance meetings in the break room, and a difficulty in cultivating corporate culture."
To address these challenges, Publicis Sapient places a strong emphasis on regular check-ins, open communication, and supportive leadership. Weekly and bi-weekly conversations with managers and early careers teams ensure that everyone feels connected and supported, no matter where they are working from.
Successful remote work hinges on clear expectations and healthy boundaries. Julia Schindler’s advice to anyone considering working remotely is to "set expectations with your project before you leave." Open conversations with managers and teams about availability, deliverables, and communication norms are essential. This clarity helps teams stay aligned and ensures that business outcomes are met, even as individuals pursue personal adventures or balance family commitments.
Maintaining work-life balance is another cornerstone. Employees are encouraged to take breaks, set boundaries around working hours, and prioritize well-being. Leaders at Publicis Sapient are conscientious about respecting these boundaries, regularly reminding teams to take vacation and recharge.
The impact of remote work extends beyond individual well-being—it’s a strategic advantage for the business. Flexible work arrangements enable Publicis Sapient to attract and retain top talent from around the world, increasing diversity and bringing fresh perspectives to client challenges. Studies and internal feedback alike show that happier, more engaged employees are also more productive and creative, delivering better outcomes for clients and the company.
Moreover, remote work can contribute to sustainability goals by reducing the need for large, energy-intensive office spaces. This not only lowers costs but also aligns with broader commitments to environmental responsibility.
Remote and hybrid work are here to stay, but the conversation is evolving. The focus is shifting from simply where work happens to how organizations can create environments—virtual or physical—that empower people to do their best work. At Publicis Sapient, we’re committed to leading this evolution, continuously learning from our people and adapting our practices to support well-being, creativity, and business success.
Whether you’re a prospective employee seeking flexibility or a business leader navigating the future of work, our experience shows that when you trust people to work in ways that suit them best, everyone wins. The journey is ongoing, but the impact is clear: remote work, done right, is a powerful driver of happiness, innovation, and productivity.