Klarna dials back remote work and says it's losing top talent to companies with stronger in-office culture as IPO nears

"Ahead of its IPO next week, Klarna is rolling out a return-to-office policy and partly blamed its new requirement on losing talent to firms that prioritize in-person working. Employees based in Stockholm, Berlin, Warsaw, and Nykøbing, are expected to come into the office three days a week starting September 29, the company informed workers in an internal Slack post Thursday, which was seen by Business Insider. The rollout will extend to other offices shortly thereafter, per the post."

"Klarna also said in the Slack post, written by the company's director of people and HR, Mikaela Mijatovic, that it tested out an office week in Stockholm during the spring. Many employees shared how much they enjoy reconnecting with colleagues, sharing ideas naturally, and working side by side, Mijatovic wrote in the message. "At the same time, we have seen some of our top talents leave for companies where in-person collaboration is a fundamental part of daily work," Mijatovic wrote."

"Klarna told staffers they will be expected to work from the office 3 days a week starting September 29. In an internal Slack post, Klarna said it was losing talent to firms prioritizing in-person work. The company considered an RTO policy in 2023 when an employee found a draft policy on its intranet. Klarna's announcement comes as more Big Tech companies and startups are unveiling their return-to-office plans for workers."

Klarna will require employees based in Stockholm, Berlin, Warsaw, and Nykøbing to be in the office three days a week starting September 29, with rollout to other offices soon. The company attributed the change partly to losing top talent to firms that prioritize in-person collaboration. A Stockholm office week test during the spring found employees enjoying reconnection, spontaneous idea-sharing, and side-by-side work. Director of people Mikaela Mijatovic warned that departures for in-person-focused companies signaled a need to prioritize in-office collaboration for growth. Klarna previously reached a valuation of $45.6 billion in 2021.

Read at Business Insider