SyberJet Makes Work-From-Home a Permanent Option for Many Employees

SyberJet Aircraft is demonstrating its adaptability to emerging opportunities and challenges by providing many employees the flexibility to work from home on a permanent basis. The work-from-home policy primarily applies to the majority of engineering and office staff, especially in the San Antonio location.

Like many companies in 2020, SyberJet Aircraft initially instituted a temporary work-from-home (WFH) policy during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this shift in policy was accompanied by several concerns. Chief among them was the potential for productivity to decline as normal office routines were disrupted and home distractions introduced. Concern deepened when considering how the loss of in-person communication could erode organic problem solving and spontaneous exchange of ideas and information.

Fortunately, with few exceptions, the policy change did not generate productivity loss. Concerns regarding in-person communication were mitigated by the company's Part 145 Repair Station which was deemed an essential service and remained operational. Not only did it provide a safe work environment for supporting customers' flight operations, but it also offered a safe venue for employees to meet and discuss key issues when needed.

As COVID-19 lockdowns ended, many employees noted how much they enjoyed working from home. It unexpectedly provided a quieter atmosphere with fewer distractions. It also eliminated the time and stress associated with commuting, making work-time more efficient and affording employees more personal/family time. However, there were still a limited number of employees who indicated their preference to work in an office or whose specific duties could only be performed on site.

After reviewing all productivity outcomes and the net benefit of working from home versus maintaining office space, SyberJet made the decision to close down its engineering offices and to make working from home a permanent option for many employees. To accommodate those who preferred or whose duties required an office environment, the company remodeled some of the existing office space in one of the San Antonio hangars. The remodel also created both a conference room and co-working office space for occasions when work-from-home employees may need to meet or work on site.

As the policy becomes permanent, some major benefits are expected:

First, recruitment of additional engineering talent will be improved as relocation will not always be required, depending on the job's nature. This makes SyberJet more attractive to prospective employees with families or spouses already established somewhere else.

Second, operational costs in San Antonio will decrease as a result of the reduction in office space. While not a large expense, it does allow budget to be reallocated towards more value-adding activities such as supporting employees and the needs of other facilities in San Antonio.

Overall, the work-from-home policy has been a great experience for SyberJet. Most notably, it empowered employees to prove that productivity can be maintained off-site and that workspaces can be redefined for the better when employees and management collaborate together. SyberJet builds the world's fastest, longest range light jet in the world and we want our employees to thrive in a world-class work environment.