The post-Covid world will look different for everyone. This especially goes for the daily operations of any given enterprise. There’s no one-size fits all answer, as variables like product, culture, and the need for interaction factor in. For example, knowledge workers can optimize their time in hybrid work structures.
Reputation (formerly Reputation.com) took a step towards pinpointing its place on that hybrid scale with a new physical office. Formerly headquartered in Redwood City, Ca, it tells Localogy Insider that it has moved to San Ramon, where it leased a bigger space that will house nearly all corporate departments.
This includes marketing, sales, customer success, IT, security, and product. Additionally, most of Reputation’s senior leaders are based in the new location – opening the door for high levels of interaction and collective ideation. It’s also about business development proximity within the client-rich Bay Area.
“While all our meeting rooms are equipped with video technology, we do see more executive meetings and customer strategy sessions happening in person at this office, Reputation CEO Joe Fuca told us, “which is exciting to see and was a huge driver in deciding to get new office space.”
Purpose Driven
Back to the concept of post-Covid hybrid structures and balance, Reputation is quick to point out that the new office is not a sign that it mandates physical presence. In fact, its CTO is based in Utah (where there’s an office) and its Chief People Officer is in Washington (where there’s not yet an office).
In fact, a prevailing strategy is to breed optionality for Reputation employees and their supervisors. The thinking is that a robust physical office lets them optimize their own performance on a function-by-function (and even day-by-day) basis. That goes for both intra-office engagement and client interation.
“While some companies are choosing to forgo office space, we saw a great opportunity in expanding our presence in the Bay Area,” Fuca told us. “We listened to our employee base to uncover a need for not just remote, office, or hybrid working but a flexible working environment.”
Here, listening to employee demand signals was a key factor, which factors in morale, recruiting, and retention. Though there’s a general attitude that all talent pushes towards remote work, several professionals in tech actually want more physical interaction… and companies that offer it.
“For those who like having an office base, we now have a great space in the heart of a growing community surrounded by great restaurants and shops,” said Fuca. “We intend to use this office as a hub for bigger planning meetings and believe in creating a purpose for people coming into the office.”
Reputation’s Transition from Competitive ‘Reporting’ to ‘Intelligence’
Confidence Signal
Why is all of this important? It’s representative of best practices and considerations in optimizing any company’s post-Covid operations. Again, the calculus will be different for every company but key considerations should similarly include product dynamics, employee demand, and client interaction.
Lastly, Reputation’s physical move is validating as a confidence signal for its market performance. In addition to recently raising $150 million, it’s growing its physical footprint while several other software players retract on several levels. Several signs point to growth and renewed vibrance for Reputation.
“We needed a new office that’s substantially bigger,” said Fuca, “to facilitate our growing workforce and accommodate the customers, partners, and talent we have in San Francisco and surrounding areas.”
