BERLIN (Reuters – Puma offers flexibility to U.S. employees regarding when and how they work, as well as a Pandemic-driven redesign to its North American headquarters. This is in an effort to recruit the American staff that the German sportswear manufacturer needs to continue its rapid growth.

Puma grows faster than other competitors Nike Adidas (OTC) and (NYSE:) are focusing a lot on the U.S. Market. In 2018, Adidas relaunched its basketball products and opened a New York flagship store. It also invested in a distribution center and opened a new New York location.

Bob Philion of Puma North America, President, stated that they are bullish on North American opportunities and feel stronger after going through tough times.

Puma Americas has been the fastest growing region in this year’s Puma, with 31% of its total sales increasing to 37%. This is due to a shift towards casual clothing and increased participation in sport since the pandemic.

On Thursday, Puma opened its North America headquarters at Somerville in Massachusetts. This building houses 450 employees, including two offices.

This move, which was planned for at least four years, was postponed by Puma six months later after the company made adjustments to accommodate the changes caused by the pandemic.

Puma increased the spacing, added partitions and touchless fittings as well as creating more spaces where employees can video call with remote coworkers.

“It is a great feeling to be able to host people again. Philion stated that people want to work together again. What we have been missing on Zoom calls or Teams calls is collaboration, energy and creativity.

Puma is hoping that the new facility and the combination of remote and office work will allow the company to draw in staff. Philion said it was difficult for workers to be hired, especially in the retail and distribution industries.

It’s now more competitive than ever. COVID helps people to make important life choices,” he explained.

Flexibility is key. All employees at the company understand that they are product marketers. Shoes and clothing are tangible items that we can touch and feel.

Puma would like its employees to visit the office at least three times per week. However, that depends on how many people are working together. Meetings will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM to allow for people to arrive earlier or later in order to beat the rush hour.

Philion stated, “We don’t want people sitting on traffic.”