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The sportswear company Puma leveraged on the challenges that came with the pandemic as an opportunity to develop new and sustainable work concepts that offered new opportunities to existing and potential employees. The company reworked its entire work concept by developing a hybrid work model and transforming its headquarters in the US.
New plans for the U.S. and the future of work
With the re-launch of its basketball products in 2018, the fast-growing sportswear company continues to target the US market. It invested in a new distribution center and opened a new flagship store in New York.
This year, the North and South America regions of Puma have grown the most and are therefore the focus of the company. Sales increased 31% in the third quarter of 2021 and accounted for 37% of total sales. As for opportunities in North America, Puma has come back stronger after the coronavirus pandemic and remains optimistic.
No more 9-5: Work smarter, not harder
Puma is embracing a new hybrid work model that offers more choice in how, when and where work can be done in the US. The company allows employees to work flexible hours and choose wherever they prefer to do their work - at the office, at home or somewhere else.
Puma gives every employee the flexibility to work on-site and remotely at the same time. This means that they only need to be in the office three days a week. The exact days depend on the team and can be discussed with the team leader. On the remaining two days, employees can choose where they want to work. In addition, meetings only take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - so employees will avoid rush hour traffic and not have to work too early or too late.
New office design - new spirit
Puma also uses the hybrid office concept as a strategy to attract potential employees. For this reason, not only the remote working concepts but also the office itself have been redesigned.
During the pandemic, dedicated teams focused on redesigning workspaces to create a more effective and pleasant work environment. The redesigned North American headquarters opened last week in Somerville, Massachusetts, with 150,000 square feet of office space. This headquarter can accommodate up to 450 employees, and the building features a rooftop terrace, a fitness center and a space for children to visit.
Bob Philion, president of Puma's North American business, confirms, "I'm very happy that we have a new home where we can welcome our employees back. People want to work together again." Puma has set up additional rooms where employees can have video conversations with colleagues who work remotely. The workplace is intended to become a strategic resource - a space that nurtures talent and drives innovation.
With the new facility and the combination of office and remote work, the sportswear giant hopes to not only satisfy and retain its employees, but more importantly, attract new ones. "It's more competitive now than it's ever been”, says Philion about the recruiting situation. Puma wants to boost corporate growth in the U.S. with new work models.
A win-win situation for all
Working remotely saves time and money on business travel while improving work-life balance. Implementing a hybrid work model gives the company's employees more satisfaction and freedom in their everyday work lives. Satisfied employees attract new talent!
Puma shows that both the hybrid work model and the new office design have many benefits for the company and its employees. The company has recognized the importance of flexible working conditions and environments not only for its employees, but also for future recruitment. That's why we call Puma a Hybrid Hero!
➡️ Become a Hybrid Hero with the free Hybrid work ebook - the BIRD-Framework.
