Autodesk Life
As we’ve embraced new ways of working over the years at Autodesk, we’ve continued to look at how we preserve flexibility and productivity while creating an innovative and inspiring experience for Autodeskers.
In the past year, we’ve rolled out additional programs and policies to intentionally embrace our hybrid-first culture, equipping the company with the tools to further enhance how we stay connected and productive. Today, our 13,700 (and counting) employees either work remotely, in the office, or a combination of the two daily within our decentralized global workforce.
With belonging, innovation, and productivity at the core of our flexible approach to work, we’ve strengthened our global workforce by enhancing our ability to tap into and retain a diverse and dispersed talent pool. In fact, in 2023, we saw a 400% increase in job applications due to our hybrid-first approach. We can also proudly report that we have five generations of employees in the workplace.
Fostering collaboration in a hybrid-first environment
To better enable our people managers, our Culture, Diversity & Belonging team has created culturally enriching experiences and learning opportunities founded in behavioral science principles to equip managers to lead, inspire, and build trust and accountability in our hybrid-first environment.
In addition to training courses, partners across our People & Places (HR) organization have intentionally designed flexible workplaces within our offices to inspire collaboration and respond to the meeting needs of on-site employees. Office use continues to increase organically over time despite the lack of return-to-office mandates. Our Workplace & Travel team has also introduced the “Autodesk Conference Experience” for teams to host critical business meetings on-site and gather intentionally.
According to internal survey data, Autodeskers remain highly positive about the flexibility given to them as part of our hybrid-first approach to work. This is equally true for office-based, hybrid, and home-based employees, suggesting that flexibility and choice are valued by employees as they structure their work time. While other companies may be experiencing increasing burnout rates, Autodesk’s burnout rates are on the decline – this is likely due to our flexible workplace practices, which reinforces the work we are doing in this space.
Making flexible work, work
We recently asked a few Autodeskers how flexible work helps them maintain a healthy and productive work-life balance – here’s what they shared:
“In times where a lot of companies are almost mandating work from the office, Autodesk’s hybrid model provides relief to employees like me who have a family and sometimes would like to work from home. There are days when a family member needs attention, or my kids want my time. In these situations, this flexibility really helps me maintain my work-life balance. At Autodesk, we can also work from outside our base location for short periods of time, which is a fantastic way to take a break while not compromising our work. I can always travel to a nice hill station, work from there, and explore new places during the evenings. It doesn’t get better than that!”
Mubashir Mohammed P K
Senior Software Engineer, Observability
Bangalore, India
“One of the best things about working at Autodesk is the “Benefits My Way” wellness reimbursement that’s part of the flexible work philosophy at Autodesk. Wellness looks different for everyone, and Benefits My Way allows me to balance my work and personal life by giving me a yearly stipend that I can spend on things that support my well-being and happiness. I’ve used Benefits My Way to sign up for adult ballet and Beyoncé-themed dance classes, fueling my physical well-being and giving me a creative outlet even though I’m a terrible dancer. Most recently, I used Benefits My Way to adopt my new dog, Sylvie! Thanks to the flexibility we have at Autodesk, I can work when and where it is best for me – and I get to have the best office mate.”
Esther Avila
Program Manager, Recruitment Enablement
Austin, Texas
“As an Autodesker, flexible work has truly reshaped my work-life balance. The old constraints of a static workspace used to stifle my creativity and productivity, all while making me feel trapped. Now, my workspace is as dynamic as I want it to be! From working in the Autodesk office in San Francisco to ringing in the New Year with my family in India, my work now travels with me instead of being a roadblock. This flexibility has not only boosted my productivity but also enriched my personal life. With the freedom to manage my time, I can indulge in my passions outside of work, truly embracing the work-life harmony Autodesk offers. This makes me want to give my best at work so I can live my best life outside of it! This is the future I want to live in!”
Vaishnavi Kaushik
People & Places Communications Intern
San Francisco, California
“Autodesk’s approach to flexible work has been incredibly beneficial to me as a single mother of a child with special needs. My remote position gives me an opportunity to set up certain therapies and tutoring after school for my son that I would not be able to do otherwise, while also allowing me to collaborate in the morning with coworkers in the Eastern Time Zone. Working remotely has enhanced my communication skills to ensure I’m coming across clearly and still affords me opportunities to connect with coworkers via Slack and huddle when needed. Being at home also allows me to stay focused and productive in a comfortable environment versus what I consider to be a distracting open-office layout. When the company invests in moms like me, they also invest in families, diverse thinkers, and an inclusive culture where we feel we all belong.”
Brooke Schumacher
Senior Webinar Marketing Manager
San Francisco, California
With the breadth and depth of a hybrid-first approach to flexible work, Autodesk is committed to designing our ways of working to be inclusive and forming strategies that address the needs of our business and our employees as they shape the world and their futures.
Looking to work at a company that truly values flexibility? Join us at Autodesk!
